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Hardship Fund

We believe that finances should never be a barrier to a young person participating in Scouting.

Maidstone West District is committed to providing equal opportunities to all young people and, as such, believes that no young person should be denied the opportunity to participate in Scouting due to family or personal financial circumstances.

For this reason, the aim of the Hardship Fund is to help parents of Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers who might be struggling to pay their child's subscription (subs) charges or buy uniform due to their personal circumstances. We hope that this will make it easier for people to access help and ensure their young people have an equally great scouting experience.

To apply, please complete and submit our Online Application Form. Please rest assured that this is a confidential process and if you have any questions, please contact our District Lead Volunteer.

Hardship Fund FAQs

What is the Hardship Fund?

The Hardship fund has been set up by Maidstone West District. Its aim is to help parents of our Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers who might be struggling to pay their subscription (subs) charges or buy uniform due to their personal financial circumstances.

Who is eligible to apply for the Hardship Fund?

The fund is available to any parent or guardian of a Scout who is facing financial hardship and requires assistance to cover the cost of subs or uniforms. Eligibility is based on individual circumstances, and we aim to be as inclusive as possible.

Cases are reviewed on an individual basis.

What expenses can the Hardship Fund cover?

The Hardship Fund can be used to cover:

Primarily: 

  • Membership fees (subs)
  • Uniform costs (including badges, shirts, trousers, and scarves)

However, funds can be granted towards camps and trips.

How do I apply for the Hardship Fund?

To apply, please complete the online application form on our website or contact the District Lead Volunteer directly to discuss your situation. You can also reach out to your child's Scout leader, who can signpost you to the correct contact.

Is the fund available to all families, or only those in certain situations?

The Hardship Fund is open to any family within our Scout district experiencing financial challenges, regardless of the cause. Whether due to job loss, illness, or other personal difficulties, we want to ensure no young person misses out on Scouting.

Will my application be kept confidential?

Yes, all applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and respect. Only those involved in the decision-making process will have access to your information, and it will not be shared publicly.

How much support can I receive?

The amount of support depends on the specific needs of your family and the availability of funds. We aim to provide enough support to ensure your child can fully participate in Scouting activities without financial worry.

Can I apply for help with other costs not listed here?

While the fund primarily covers subs and uniform costs, if you are facing other financial challenges related to Scouting, please get in touch. We will do our best to find a solution or direct you to further resources that may be able to assist.

When should I apply for support?

We encourage families to apply for support as soon as they are aware of financial difficulties. This will allow us to provide assistance before costs become a barrier to participation.


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Charity Information

Maidstone West District Scout Council

Charity number: 1022011

kent_scouts734

Youth Sections

Squirrels
4-6 years
Beavers

6-8 years
Cubs

8-10½ years
Scouts

10½-14 years
Explorers

14-18 years
Network

18-25 years

Upcoming events

Winter Walks Brockhill Country Park
8th February 2025

Winter Walks Lullingstone Country Park
9th February 2025

Squirrels Volunteer Get together
14th February 2025

Winter Survival 2025
14th - 16th February 2025

Leaders' Weekend
21st - 23rd February 2025