How would you feel if someone offered to pay for your dc to go on a trip that you had told them you could not afford because of illness related lack of cash? How could they offer without seeming patronising? Or would you rather they just listened in ...

[stillaslowreader]

I would like to do this but I don't know how to begin or if I should mind my own business.

if the organisation is scouting/ guiding the leader may well already have a similar fund in place - in theory no child should miss out due to funding issues.....

Popmum where would that fund come from, do you know?

well fundraising activities. If i am on the right lines you may want to try and speak to the district commissioner rather than leader who would be one step removed and may know more about policy for this type of thing.
I know cos my dad is involved at a county level and deals with this kind of thing

see here for more info [http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq/donations/causes.htm scouts] - call 0845 300 1818

Thank you, this has been very kind and useful. A lot of you have more tact than me.
Think I have a way forward now to help.

I agree with funnypeculiar. Have word with the teacher and give her/him the money.

We have offered to do this at our primary school. It's all completely confidential--between us and the teacher.

i would just simply hand over an envelope and say this is for DC's trip and I really would like you to have it as a gift (in case thy think they have to pay it back.)

i think the act of giving them the money will be appreciated as much as the money itself as it will confirm to them what a good, caring friend they have. sometimes when you're going through a tough time you need reminding that there are good people out there.

It is sorted. Everyone's blushes have been spared and everyone is going. Thank you all very much for pointing the way.

well done you! What did you do in the end

More or less exactly what you suggested (the wimp out option). Thanks!

How lovely

Just a thought....... if you were to drop an envelope through the door anonymously, how would you feel if, later on, it transpired that they still didn't go on the trip? Would you then be wondering what they had done with the money instead? Or would it not matter to you?