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 Sea-Changers Scottish Learning Fund 

Sponsored by the

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The aim of the new Scottish Learning Fund is to enable early-stage and / or small community-based groups in Scotland who are involved in marine conservation activities to learn, share knowledge, network and develop skills with other groups.

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There are many examples of marine conservation good practice in Scotland.  We want to enable organisations to learn and seek advice from one another, share good practice, network and jointly develop skills. We recognise that in-person learning and networking can accelerate the development of community projects and the spread of such good practices.  However, travel between Scotland’s coastal communities, particularly those of the Highlands and Islands, can be prohibitive for small voluntary and community groups - we seek to address those challenges with this fund.  

 

The Fund totals £11,000 and is made possible by a single donation to Sea-Changers by the William Grant Foundation.

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 About the fund 

Who can apply

We welcome applications from a wide range of organisations including charities, ‘not-for-profit’ organisations and community groups with a focus on marine conservation.  We envisage at least two groups to be involved in each project  - a provider and one or more beneficiaries.

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The beneficiary/ies of the learning must be based in Scotland but the organisation providing the learning doesn't need to be - for example, a community beach cleaning group in Northern Ireland with expertise in recycling ghost gear could apply to run a webinar for one/more groups in Scotland. However, we expect that the fund will mostly be used by Scottish projects to visit and learn from examples of good practice elsewhere within Scotland.

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Either the provider or the beneficiary can apply. 

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When you can apply

The fund is always open - you can apply any time.

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How we'll assess applications​

We'll use the following criteria to assess applications:

  • Clear learning, knowledge-sharing and/or skills development outcomes.

  • Evidence that partners have a community or grassroots base.

  • Value for money.

  • Minimisation of the project's carbon footprint if travel is involved.

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What can you apply for

Grant requests should not generally exceed £750. Costs that may be covered by the fund include, but are not limited to: 

  • Travel - limiting carbon footprint when possible - avoiding air travel and using public transport (standard class).

  • Accommodation.

  • Subsistence costs (capped at maximum £25 per day).

  • Seminar costs.

  • Online learning and sharing:

    • Example:  Developing a video case study to share with other groups.

    • Example:  Costs associated with hosting an online learning event or webinar.

 

Successful grantees will be expected to share proof of expenditure and complete a brief feedback form on the learning outcomes and proposed next steps as a result of the learning. 

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who can apply
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 How to apply for funding 

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  • The fund is always open - you can apply any time.

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  • Return the application form to info@sea-changers.org.uk. You will receive an acknowledgement of your application with details of timescales and what happens next.

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  • When the grant panel has made their final decision, we will and inform you of the outcome of your application. ​

 Scottish Learning Fund Projects 

Not sure if the SLF is for you or what can be funded?  These case studies might provide some inspiration!

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Snorkel & Marine Survey Weekend

In June 2024, our Scottish Learning Fund (SLF) supported nine members of the Moray Ocean Community (MOC) in a weekend of marine education and citizen science.

 

Their trip to the Field Studies Council (FSC) Millport, located on the Isle of Cumbrae, focused on snorkelling and marine surveying, expanding the group’s understanding of Scotland’s coastal ecosystems and equipping them with the knowledge to engage more effectively in its guardianship.

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‘Collective Purpose’- Marine Art Skillshare and Networking Event

In January 2025 with Sea Changers' funding the Scottish Island Federation marine litter working group ran an online skill share and networking event.  The purpose was to connect beach cleaners throughout Scotland with artisans and makers working with marine plastic, providing innovative solutions to the growing issue of marine litter.

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Knowledge exchange with Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

At Sea-Changers, we’re proud to see how our Scottish Learning Fund (SLF) empowers grassroots marine conservation.

 

Ullapool Sea Savers (USS), a youth-led group from Ullapool, Scotland, is passionate about protecting their local marine environment. 

 

With support from the fund, they embarked on an impactful visit to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) in Tobermory.

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