Des Rubens and Bill Wallace Grant

The Des Rubens and Bill Wallace Grant, offered by the John Muir Trust, provides financial support ranging from £500 to £2,000 for individuals seeking transformative experiences in wild places. This initiative honors the adventurous spirits of Des Rubens and Bill Wallace, encouraging projects that foster education, adventure, and a commitment to conservation. Open to applicants of all backgrounds, the grant prioritizes self-led experiences that emphasize personal growth and the importance of safeguarding nature.

The John Muir Trust offers this Grant to give people the opportunity to seek out life-changing experiences in wild places of the world in ways which will benefit both the person, and the wild places themselves. The grant commemorates two former Presidents of the Scottish Mountaineering Club who each led inspiring and adventurous lives. We wish to support projects, which reflect the ethos of both men and give others an opportunity to follow in their footsteps. In the decade since its inception the Grant has made over 40 awards to a wide variety of recipients.
Who was Bill Wallace?
Bill Wallace was a stalwart of the John Muir Trust who played an important role in the development of the organisation. He was adventurous, inspired others and made a huge personal contribution towards increasing awareness of the need to safeguard wild places both in Scotland and overseas. A quiet man who never blew his own trumpet, he spoke eloquently through his deeds.
Who was Des Rubens?
Des Rubens had a distinguished career in outdoor education over 30 years. Based on his own early experiences of the coasts and mountains of Scotland, he was a passionate believer in the value of bringing young people into the hills, and making opportunities for involvement in the outdoors available to people from all levels of society and from a wide spectrum of abilities - a man who led by example.
A grant of £500 - £2,000 will be made on merit to a person who wishes to experience wild places in the spirit of Des Rubens and Bill Wallace. The project should involve travel to wild places, must be adventurous, have an educational or scientific component – and be a life-changing experience leading to a commitment to practical action to conserve wild places.

Eligibility

Who can apply?People of all ages, abilities, and ethnic backgrounds.UK applicants with a Scottish interest/link.People who like Des and Bill can show self-motivation, determination and commitment to achieve.People who demonstrate charitable aims (educational/scientific/community development).