Everything you need to know about the Volunteering Matters Action Earth Grant

Posted on 30th April 2024 | Posted in School Grants

How to apply for Volunteering Matters Action Earth grant

Volunteering Matters Action Earth offers grants, funded by NatureScot, to help local communities in Scotland respond to climate change. Though they are not focused on school grants, the charity’s work is a great way to get your students interested in leaving the world better than they found it.

Is my school eligible?

Although this is not specifically a school grant, applications are prioritised from volunteer groups that do any of the following:

• Work in areas where there is substantial social or economic deprivation
• Improve and develop the health and wellbeing of their local community
• Involve disabled people, vulnerable people or those at risk of exclusion
• Encourage and involve people under 26 in practical outdoor conservation

The last point, in particular, is relevant to those searching for school grants. For information on the full eligibility criteria of Action Earth, check the official website.

Key eligibility criteria include:

• Your school must be based in Scotland
• At least 15 volunteers must be involved, each giving a minimum of 5 hours of volunteering time
• Projects must be accessible to the general public

What kind of projects do they fund?

Action Earth is focused on supporting environmental activities in Scotland’s green spaces. The grant does not fund projects taking place on school grounds. However, schools could still benefit by partnering with local community groups to develop projects off the school campus.

The grant supports projects that involve funding for the creation, maintenance, or improvement of:

• Community gardens
• Wildflower meadow
• Ponds
• Woodlands
• Any kind of wildlife habitats

Applications focussed on activities that are primarily about food growing are not supported.

How do I apply?

Action Earth is now open for 2024 applications. To apply, register via the website and you will receive a welcome email with a link to the 2024 grant application form.

What’s the deadline?

Applications are open now for 2024, and there is no specific application deadline listed. However, grant numbers are limited, so applying as early as possible is recommended to secure funding for your project.  Projects funded by Action Earth must be completed by January 31st 2025.

How much funding is possible?

Any group of volunteers may apply for grants of between £50 and £250. Projects funded through Action Earth require upfront payment of costs. These can be reimbursed upon completion by submitting receipts, feedback forms and a grant claim form within 4 weeks of the project’s completion date.

Find out more about this school grant

For more information on Volunteering Matters Action Earth grants in Scotland, go to their official website.