Considering deprivation in your area

The Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) measure maps how areas compare in seven domains of deprivation and provides an overall score for each postcode area.

The seven domains of deprivation are:

1. Income
2. Employment
3. Education
4. Health
5. Crime
6. Barriers to housing and services
7. Living environment

You can have a look at IMD scores in your area using these tools:

• English indices of deprivation
• Welsh indices of multiple deprivation
• Scottish indices of multiple deprivation
• Northern Irish indices of multiple deprivation

It's not hard to see how people living in high areas of deprivation may have more barriers to engage with Scouts. For example, income is a barrier when it comes to paying for uniform and subs.

However, it's not a direct representation of the people that live there, so it's important to speak to and get to know people from the area to see the support they may need when accessing Scouts.

1. What support is out there in your local area/region.​
2. Google! A quick google search is usually a great way to look for other options for support​
3. Look at values of the funder​
4. Check specifications of application​
5. Prepare some ‘case studies’ to demonstrate how you are supporting your local area. ‘Case studies’ can be based on the parents, leaders or your Scouts.

The Need: what will you use the money for and what impact will it have on young people? One of the most powerful ways you can show this is by using the voices of your young people – can they share what difference the money will make on their experience of scouting? ​

​Avoid something like: the money will allow us to fix our roof​

​Instead, say: the money will support essential renovations so we can provide a safe space for young people from our community to come and gain skills for life.​

​Include quotes from young people so the impact of what those skills for life will mean is clear.

For example: "Before Scouts, I didn't think I was good at important things, like maths and science. Scouts has taught me that's there's lots of important things in life – it doesn't have to all be about school subjects. Without Scouts, I don't think I'd be the person I am today."​

How do you ask for money? It can feel awkward, but be very clear about:​

• What you are wanting support with​
• Why you need it​
• When you need it​
• How much you need. Create a realistic budget. Do not include things such as ‘miscellaneous’ or ‘contingency’​
• How you will report on the spend​
• How you will evaluate and share the outcomes and impact of a grant

You might also want to include details about governance of your group, so it's clear that you are a well managed and maintained charity who will use the money according to budgets, are experienced in delivering skills for life/outcomes for young people, have a board of trustees etc

• Short sentences of plain English​
• No Scout jargon​
• Use same language as funder e.g. if they say : 'lifelong skill set', then say that too, rather than skills for life​
• Do not apply to more than one funder for the same costs, at the same time.​
• Keep an eye on the deadline! 

• Link your values / objectives​
• Be specific about your impact​
• Use quotes and images of your young people​
• Get your young people and young leaders involved in planning the application. Here's an example of an activity you might adapt to generate ideas with your young people. ​
• If the funder prefers a letter, stick to no more than 2 sides of A4 paper​

• Keep the funder informed of any outcomes and successes​
• Build a rapport with the funders​
• Find out how your funder prefers to be contacted​
• Provide the funders with ‘case studies’ on how the money has helped. This can also help you with future applications​