INFO 2013 - Scouts Victoria

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCEEML FUND - TO ASSIST YOUTH MEMBERS TRAVELLING OVERSEASThe E.M.Lothian fund (Victoria) was established to assist youth members travelling overseas. Funds are available to enablefinancial assistance to be made to youth members (but not Leaders or adults) to attend overseas Scouting activities.Who Can Apply? Grants will be made on a needs basis with preference going to the most deserving applicants. Previousrecipients of financial assistance to attend National or overseas events will not be eligible for another grant. The factorsdetermining “needs” can be widely interpreted - family size, hardship, illness, unemployment, or any of many other reasons.Amount of Assistance. Assistance may be available for up to 50% of the standard Contingent fees for the event. No assistance isavailable for additional costs such as travel to and from the applicant’s home to Melbourne Airport, passport costs, pocket money,optional sightseeing, or touring before, during or after the event.How to Apply for Assistance. Application Forms are available from the Victorian Scout Centre, the BC International, or atwww.vicscouts.com.au/info-and-forms under Youth or Vic Branch Resource Library in members website. Please ensure theapplications are completed correctly and sent ‘in confidence’ to BC (International) P.O. Box 774, Mount Waverley, Victoria 3149.A financial commitment of at least the initial payment required by the Contingent must be paid prior to or accompany theapplication for funding. All correctly completed applications will be considered if received by the BC International in a timelymanner according to the payment schedule set down by the event co–ordinators. Applications should be submitted at least 3months prior to the event. Late applications will not be considered unless exceptional circumstances apply.NEAR FUNDThe National Event Assistance Reserve fund was established to assist youth members (not available for adults or Leaders) whoare planning to go to a recognised Scouting activity such as Jamborees, Ventures and Moots within Australia. Previous recipientsof financial assistance to attend National or overseas events will not be eligible for another grant. Applications are atwww.vicscouts.com.au/info-and-forms under Youth or Vic Branch Resource Library in Members.Submitting a NEAR Fund application form needs to be done in a timely manner – at least 3 months prior to the final paymentdate as set down by the event co-ordinators. Due to the increased demand on this fund prior to Australian Jamborees there will bespecific guidelines set out prior to each Australian Jamboree A financial commitment of at least the initial payment required bythe Contingent must be paid prior to or accompany the application for funding. Contact the Victorian Scout Centre.VICTORIAN SCOUT FOUNDATIONThe Foundation was formed in 1983 to create an organisation for raising funds to look after the long-term interests of VictorianScouting, as well as the day-to-day requirements that will always exist. A main aim of The Foundation is to raise a capital sum,the interest from which can be made available to the Victorian Branch of the Scout Association of Australia, not only to help withroutine costs, but also to provide for special projects in the future. Further information located inside the rear cover of INFO2013.NEW GROUP GRANTThe Group Leader or Group Committee of a new Group or a Group in recess restarting, may apply to the Chief Commissioner fora grant up to the value of $3,500 to provide assistance so they can firmly establish themselves. Up to $500 may be used for Leadertraining and uniform, and a start-up kit of up to $3000 including items such as scarves, flag, books, games and activity equipment.Grants will be in the form of a credit for the Group to make purchases. Groups will be given a waiver of their fees up to the nextcensus. Applications should be in the form of a letter, endorsed by the District Commissioner and Region Commissioner,outlining the steps already taken to start or restart the Group plus the potential for its continuing success and be addressed to theChief Commissioner, c/o Victorian Scout Centre, P.O. Box 774, Mt Waverley 3149.FINANCIAL RECORDSACT OF PARLIAMENTThe Scout Association of Australia, Victorian Branch is a body incorporated by Royal Charter 1912 and by Act of VictorianParliament being The Boy Scouts Association Act No. 4092 of 1932 as amended by the Scout Association Act No. 9878 of 1983.The umbrella of the body corporate extends to cover all Scout Regions, Districts and Groups and their operation committees.BANK ACCOUNTSAll bank accounts, vehicles and trailers should be in the name of:The Scout Association of Australia, Victorian Branch, (name of Group eg. 1 st Stony Creek Scout Group)33