The Provident Fund is available in cases of hardship, for example long-term illness, personal injury or death. It has more flexibility and all applications are treated in confidence by the Trustees. In the past the Trust has supported both individuals and small businesses to help cope with challenging circumstances of both a financial and/or personal nature. If uncertain about eligibility an initial application may be made to ascertain if the situation warrants a more detailed bid for support.

To apply just complete the application form, and return by post or email to Fiona Angier, Confor, Codebase, Argyle House, 3 Lady Lawson Street, Edinburgh EH3 9DR. 

• The applicant shall be a Confor member, or employee of, to be eligible for grant aid. Proof of employment may be sought.
• One application per member per subscription year 1 October – 30 September
• Grants can only be for bona fide educational, training or professional development purposes in the field of forestry.
• The recipient shall be required to write a brief report and if appropriate, may be asked to contribute an article for use in the FTN magazine or Confor website, outlining the studies/activities undertaken for which the grant was made, and how this will benefit both their career and the forest industry as a whole.
• Any grant awarded shall be applied towards a specific cost within the project.
• The applicant shall be required to declare other sources of grant.  If financial aid has been obtained from another source, then this is likely to be reflected in the award.
• Recipients will be required to produce evidence to the Trustees that the money given as grant has been spent for the purposes for which it was issued, eg course invoice receipt, and, if it has not been so spent, the Trustees retain the right to reclaim all or part of the grant money.
• Grants can only be awarded with prior agreement. No retrospective payments can be made.

For further information, please contact Fiona Angier, Confor, Codebase, Argyle House, 3 Lady Lawson Street, Edinburgh EH3 9DR.  All application forms can be downloaded on this website.