The E.M.Lothian Fund (Victoria) was established to assist youth members travelling overseas. Funds are available to enable financial assistance to be made to uniformed members under 26 to attend overseas Scouting activities. Previous recipients of financial assistance to attend overseas events will not be eligible for another grant.

No assistance is available for additional costs such as travel to and from the applicant’s home to Melbourne Airport, passport costs, pocket money, optional sightseeing, or personal touring before, during or after the event, including optional event pre and post tours.

The NEAR - National Event Assistance Reserve fund was established to assist youth members (not available for adults or Leaders) who are planning to go to a recognised Scouting activity such as Jamborees, Ventures and Moots within Australia. Previous recipients of financial assistance to attend National events will not be eligible for another grant.

Who can apply? Grants will be made on a needs basis. The factors determining  ‘needs’  can be widely interpreted - family size, hardship, illness, unemployment, or any of many other reasons.

How to apply for assistance for EML or NEAR

The application forms is available under Leader Resources on the Scouts Victoria webpage. The form is interactive and is to be downloaded, saved, completed and saved again to enable it to be sent by email. Please ensure the applications are completed correctly and emailed to eventfunding@scoutsvictoria.com.au. All correctly completed applications will be acknowledged and considered if received at least 6 weeks before the final payment is due and at least four months before the commencement of the event. Applications will only be considered once the deposit has been paid.

For Branch Friendship Tours approval is needed from the State Commissioner International before applications will be considered. This includes a financial risk assessment to be submitted by the Tour Leader.

Late applications will not be considered unless exceptional circumstances apply. Further enquiries contact eventfunding@scoutsvictoria.com.au.