Volunteer Support Grants
Got an idea but short of cash?
The activity grant is for you.
1. What is it?
The Activity Grant is available for any RA Areas and Groups
who have an idea for a project or initiative that they would
like to take forward, but are short of cash to fund it!
The project must clearly contribute to the promotion of the
RA’s charitable aims.
2. How much is available?
There is no set amount that can be applied for but we are
thinking about sums in the realm of £50-£250 unless you have a
really amazing idea!
3. What kind of things can we apply for?
The list is, of course, endless, and we hope that you will
astound us with your creativity. However, every idea must
relate directly to a charitable aim of the RA. (A reminder of
the charitable aims is set out below). Some examples of the
kind of thing that it might be that have occurred to us
include the following
- Maybe there is a local campaign that you’ve always wanted to run (focussing on the state of the footpaths, the difficulty negotiating styles and gates, the accessibility of the countryside, or a local countryside issue). To mobilise support you may want to contact all your members directly, perhaps contact other walkers in the area, produce some promotional literature (posters / leaflets).
- Maybe you’re keen to encourage other groups of people to access appreciate the countryside. Perhaps you already have knowledge of, or contact with some specific interest or community groups who don’t often get out walking or out into the countryside.
- Maybe you want to encourage more membership and want to arrange a display that you can exhibit at a community centre, or an event.
- Maybe you want to publish some cards / leaflets featuring local walks that can be available for sale at libraries / tourist information shops / outdoor centres.
4. What to do if you have an idea:
Stage 1: If you’ve got the germ of an idea, the first step is
to contact the Volunteer Support Team to discuss it informally
and with absolutely no commitment.
As well as wanting to know about the germ of the idea, the
team will also want to know why the funding of the idea can not
come from existing Area and Group funds.
Stage 2: If, after this discussion, the idea is still alive,
you will be asked to elaborate further details. These will
include details of how much money is being requested, who will
be involved, when the project will take place, what the aim of
the project is and how you will know if it has been
successful. These details will be requested on an application
form. However, the Volunteer Support Team will be available to
talk over this process throughout and to give help in
completing the form.