Fundraising · 03/09/2026
It’s been a busy summer behind the scenes for the New Hut project, with the team working hard on grant applications, funding opportunities and the next stages of our plans. As we start the new Scout and Guide term, we’re delighted to say that we now have just under 50% of the funding needed for the project secured.
A huge part of that progress has come from two fantastic grants awarded over the summer. We have received £20,000 from the Bernard Sunley Foundation and £20,000 from The Gosling Foundation. We are incredibly grateful to both organisations for recognising the importance of the project and supporting our plans for a new home for Scouting and Guiding in Watton-at-Stone.
We were also incredibly touched to receive an anonymous £5,000 donation from a family in the village. It is a wonderfully generous contribution and one for which the whole group is truly grateful. Support like this really shows how much the project means not just to our young people and their families, but to the wider village community too.
Getting closer to the new hut
This latest funding means we're getting very close to the point where we can move ahead and place the order for the new hut itself – a major milestone for the project.
There will still be plenty to do after that. The building needs to become a fully functioning Scout and Guide hut, with the internal fit-out, equipment and other essential elements still needing to be secured and funded.
If you, your business or an organisation you're involved with might be able to help us with funding, materials, equipment, expertise or practical support, please head over to our [Support Us](/support-us) section to find out how you can get involved.
Now it's the community's turn!
Much of our work so far has focused on grants and securing the foundations of the project. As we move into the next stage, we're starting to look at more fundraising opportunities to help close the gap to our overall target.
And this is where you and the Watton-at-Stone community come in!
We're working on ideas for events, activities and other ways for the village to get involved, have some fun and help us build a fantastic new facility for the next generation of Scouts and Guides.
Keep an eye out – there’s lots more to come!