SOA Development Fund

The evolution of the 2025-2029 Scottish Orienteering Strategy confirmed that clubs are the essential backbone of our sport.  The implementation of this strategy will be a team effort across the Scottish orienteering community with everyone contributing and the SOA development focus being on connecting and supporting clubs. 

This strategy represents a collective vision for the future of orienteering in Scotland which aims to support the vision of orienteering as a thriving sport for all generations through the key themes: changing perceptions, engaging experiences, lifelong pathways and foundations for success. An outline of the Scottish Orienteering Strategy can be found here.

The SOA Development Fund will reopen for applications in September, and we are encouraging all clubs to begin thinking about potential projects and proposals ahead of time.

This year’s focus is clear: we want to support initiatives that help grow and expand our sport amongst adults aged 20-40.

As we look to continue to build on the current Scottish Orienteering Strategy, we are therefore focusing the current SOA Development funding on projects which:

  • Support the expansion of the sport within the 20 to 40 age group
  • Recruit and develop young adults to contribute to all aspects of the sport
  • Support opportunities for lifelong learning
  • Focus on inclusivity and equality.

This age group is often underrepresented within clubs, despite representing a huge opportunity for long-term participation, volunteering and future leadership within the sport. We are looking for innovative ideas that break down barriers to participation and make it easier, more appealing and more accessible for people in this demographic to get involved.

We know that every club and local area is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, we want clubs to think creatively about what would work in their community.

Proposals should demonstrate how they will create sustainable growth and deliver a lasting impact beyond the initial funding period.

While applications will not officially open until September, we encourage clubs to use the coming months to discuss ideas, engage with potential participants and identify local opportunities.

Now is the perfect time to ask:

  • What barriers currently prevent 20-40 year olds from taking part?
  • What would make our club more attractive to this audience?
  • Who could we partner with locally to reach new participants?
  • How can we create a welcoming and flexible environment that fits around busy modern lifestyles?

At this time, we are asking clubs to discuss any ideas relating to the points above with a look ahead to autumn when the window for applications will open. If you wish to discuss any proposals ahead of time, please reach out to nikki@scottish-orienteering.org.

Objective

The Development Fund exists to provide support for clubs wishing to undertake projects with the aim of developing the sport. The sort of projects which will be supported at this time will involve.

  • Support the expansion of the sport within the 20 to 40 age group
  • Recruit and develop young adults to contribute to all aspects of the sport
  • Support opportunities for lifelong learning
  • Focus on inclusivity and equality.

However, any projects that will advance new and innovative ideas for the development of the sport are always welcomed.

A summary of past awards through the Development Fund can be found here.

Information for Applicants

Examples of items for which it would be appropriate to seek support include costs associated with coach training, incentive schemes, promoting orienteering, special events, volunteer training and club development officers. Capital costs such as mapping or equipment will be considered but will need to clearly demonstrate how they will contribute to development over and above usual club operations. Hence funding will not be awarded for updating existing maps, websites or equipment unless there is strong justification or exceptional circumstances.

It is unusual that a project should be funded for any sum greater than £1000. The project should have an itemised budget that is submitted along with the application, and clubs must also submit a copy or transcript of their club accounts.

Project descriptions should also give the time-scale of the project.  Clubs receiving support will be required to submit a report on their project, including a record of how the award money is being spent, after six months.  For projects running for more than six months, a six-monthly report will be required. Funding offers may be withdrawn if the project has not started within 6 months of receiving the offer or updates on progress are not received. 

Who can apply

Applications must be submitted by a club official, whether that be the president, secretary or treasurer. Applications can also be made on behalf of a group of clubs/regional associations/squads and in this case a nominated lead representative should complete the application.

Applications must be made for specific projects with specific development objectives. The application should demonstrate how the project fits into the overall development strategy of the club and should explain how benefits from the project will be sustained into future years. Evidence of the club’s development plan will be requested during the application process.

All clubs making an application must have either achieved SOA bronze accreditation or be currently engaging in the process of working towards the award.

How to apply

The autumn round of the SOA Development Fund 2026 is not yet accepting applications. We expect them to open in September.