Sea-Changers Scottish Learning Fund
Supported by
There are many examples of marine conservation good practice in Scotland. The Scottish Learning Fund supports community-based groups in Scotland who are involved in marine conservation to learn, share knowledge, network and develop skills with other groups. We're especially keen to support early-stage and / or small groups to grow and learn from others.
We know that in-person learning and networking speed-up community project development and help spread good practices. However, travel costs and times between Scotland’s coastal communities—especially in the Highlands and Islands—can be a major barrier for small voluntary and community groups. This fund aims to directly address those travel challenges.
This fund is made possible by the William Grant Foundation and The Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund.
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 partners to be involved in each project - a provider and one or more beneficiaries.
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 with one or more groups in Scotland to run a recycling webinar. 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.
Timescales
The fund is always open - you can apply any time.
How we'll assess applications
We'll use the following criteria to assess applications:
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Clear learning, knowledge-sharing and/or skills development outcomes. We need to see evidence that both parties have been involved in the application and are engaged with the learning aims.
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Evidence that partners have a community or grassroots base.
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Value for money.
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Minimisation of the project's carbon footprint if travel is involved.
What can you apply for
Costs that may be covered by the fund include, but are not limited to:
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Travel - including travel to events, workshops, meetings etc for individuals or groups including school groups. The carbon footprint should be minimised by avoiding air travel and using public transport (standard class) or car sharing where possible.
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Accommodation.
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Subsistence costs (maximum £25 per day).
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Seminar or workshop costs.
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Payments between projects to compensate for staff time spent on shared learning and training.
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Costs associated with online learning and sharing, for example:
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Developing a video case study to share with other groups.
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Hosting an online learning event or webinar.
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Successful grantees will be expected to share proof of expenditure and complete a brief evaluation form on the learning outcomes and proposed next steps as a result of the learning.
How to apply for funding
The fund is always open - you can apply any time.
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Check the eligibility criteria (see 'Who can apply' above).
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Complete the Scottish Learning Fund application form.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Projects we've funded
Not sure if the SLF is for you or what kinds of activities or events can be funded? These three case studies might provide some ideas and 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.
‘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.
