Tag: Foundation Scotland

SPACE: Social investment builds foundations for a brighter future

£500,000 from Foundation Scotland helped develop the state of the art Broomhouse Hub, transforming the lives of hundreds living in South West Edinburgh

For over 30 years, Space @ The Broomhouse Hub has delivered transformative personal, social and community development opportunities for local people in and around Broomhouse, Parkhead and Sighthill.

The charity offers training, volunteering and employment opportunities for those disadvantaged by poverty or other limiting factors, counselling and befriending support, community food initiatives including school holiday support, social groups for isolated older people, and a range of classes and groups designed to support mental health and wellbeing.  

An important organisation for many people, Space @ The Broomhouse Hub successfully navigated the many challenges of the pandemic and they are now helping local people to manage the continuing cost of living crisis. 

As one of the most deprived areas in Scotland, Broomhouse feels the impact of rising costs disproportionately. Over the past few years, the charity has delivered numerous events to support all parts of the community in coping with mental and economic challenges.

Key services now include dignified access to food.  From their popular community café, they offer nutritious, good value food, providing over 1,500 community meals so far this year including free meals for struggling young carers who may barely be getting one meal each day, and free meals for all children (no registration, no other purchase needed) throughout the school summer holidays.

Thanks to their ambitious vision and support from funders, Space @ The Broomhouse Hub has undergone a massive period of growth, equipping them to support the growing numbers of people that need them.

Across the last few years, the charity has tripled their staff capacity and doubled the reach of their vital support services post-pandemic. The charity cites the development of their multi-purpose community hub as the catalyst for this expansion. 

Foundation Scotland’s social investment played a pivotal role in this development.

The Foundation Scotland social investment relationship with Space @ Broomhouse began in 2018. The two organisations had already worked together on several grant awards, but with growing demand for their services and an ambitious strategy in place, the team at Space turned to Foundation Scotland for expert advice and growth funding.

The social investment support offered by Foundation Scotland is a unique form of blended grant and loan, designed to help organisations to open doors and grow effectively.  Over the past 11 years, they have invested over £12.5 million in 72 organisations around Scotland. 

The Foundation Scotland team works closely with applicants to offer more than just traditional funding, also providing unique insight, planning support and advice to help attract further investment.  

Neil Hay, CEO of Space @ The Broomhouse Hub said: “Support for capital projects, and core funding, is critical to our work, yet unfortunately not so prevalent.

“As an organisation, we believe in connections and working together for the benefit of all. The partnership approach from Foundation Scotland has been so refreshing. Both the funding and relational support allowed us to get the build off the ground. 

“Together they helped us to realise our vision, and along with our other funders they have enabled us to develop our spaces, grow our team and ultimately helped us to build the foundations for a brighter future for many.”

Ali Kennedy, Social Investment Executive at Foundation Scotland, said “Space @ Broomhouse is an important and inspiring place for everyone in the local community and we are extremely proud of our involvement in its development. 

“Their fabulous new facilities support significant numbers of people in the area, families have an affordable safe and welcoming place to come to and enjoy, young people are provided with opportunities to develop skills, confidence and self-esteem, and older people and those living with dementia feel part of a connected community.

“We are thrilled to be here with the team today at the Broomhouse Street Party.  We’ve worked together for many years and it’s great to get the chance to see the activities in action. The Hub is a space for the community to come together.   It’s clear how much of a lifeline these services are for local people.  

“We know there are other groups that urgently need support to get started or grow, and this is even more challenging in the current climate. We are encouraging all interested groups to visit our website or contact the Foundation Scotland team directly to discuss eligibility.”

Project unlocks Scotland’s missing millions

Foundation Scotland’s release of over £2.3 million from dormant trusts is the “tip of the iceberg” windfall for communities 

Trusts formed over a century ago to help boys with the surname Stewart, supply pensions to women of good character or provide medical assistance pre-NHS will now be used to fund current day needs thanks to a partnership project that has already unlocked over £2.3 million from lost and forgotten charitable accounts.

Foundation Scotland has revealed they have identified nearly 300 dormant charitable trusts through the project run in collaboration with The Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). Charitable trusts typically provide public benefit by making grants or donations to other charities, voluntary groups or individuals as laid out in their original constitution.

Launched in May 2021, Scotland’s Revitalising Trusts Project was set up to identify charitable trusts that appear to be inactive and support them to reactivate.  For a trust to be classed as inactive, they either had no income or expenditure or donated less than 30% of their total income over the last five years. 

There are different reasons why a trust can lie dormant.  It can be difficult to recruit new trustees, find time to run the charity or as times change, it can be impossible to identify beneficiaries befitting the original deeds of the trust. 

Foundation Scotland has over 25 years’ experience distributing funds which provide long-term benefit for communities.  As part of this national project, they are supporting trustees to release inactive funds so that they can be redistributed to good causes across Scotland.

Alternatively, Foundation Scotland will support trustees to breathe new life into the charity, for example by changing their charitable purpose to help address new needs in local communities.

Among the funds was The Ronnie Williamson Trust, formed by Mrs Betty Williamson in 2005 in memory of her husband, Ronnie, a Royal Marine Commando, businessman, and long-standing elder and member of Palmerston Place Church in Edinburgh. 

The original purposes of the Trust were outlined as supporting voluntary project work of young people from the age of 16 to 21 who were members or adherents of Palmerston Place Church. Unfortunately, this very specific remit proved difficult to fulfil and the Trust had not made an award for over eight years.

The Trust had therefore fallen into years of inactivity because the deed prevented the Trustees from altering the purposes rendering the Trust stuck. The Trustees worked with Foundation Scotland to ‘revitalise’ the trust.

The Trust now has new wider purposes in place – extending the upper age limit to 25 and increasing the catchment of the church membership to now include other Church congregations in the North and West of the City.  

Gregor Innes, Trustee said: “The support we’ve received from Foundation Scotland will prove life-changing for local young people who have the desire to make a difference to others locally, nationally or globally. 

“It was a frustration that we had funds that could be helping others sitting in the bank – but due to the original limited scope we had not been in a position to attract and help young people with voluntary projects. 

“The Ronnie Williamson Trust was created to encourage young people to make a difference to others and I am confident he and his late wife will be happy with the changes that we have now made to make sure we can fulfil the original wishes. 

“Foundation Scotland guided us through the process easily, and thanks to their invaluable support we have increased the age limit so we can help those up to the age of 25, and we can support young people from other linked congregations.

“The other massive benefit to us has been their support to help us bring new people onto the board. With three new Trustees already in place we are excitedly looking ahead to relaunching and publicising the Trust in the coming months. We look forward to receiving applications from local young people in the future to help them to make a difference in voluntary work which will have a positive educational, religious, medical, or societal impact.” 

Steff Bell, Revitalising Trust Project Advisor at Foundation Scotland said: “In the current climate it’s more important than ever that charitable funds are being put to good use.

“Communities the length and breadth of the country suffered through covid and now they are struggling with the cost of living crisis. It’s good to know that we’ve been able to assist in reactivating these funds and putting them to good use, when they’re needed most.  

“We’re delighted that we’ve already unlocked over £2.3 million for good causes across Scotland but we know this is just the tip of the iceberg.  We are making great progress; overall, the trustees we have approached have received the offer of support positively, with several indicating that the trustees had been stuck for a number of years, unable to find appropriate support to distribute the funds.  

“We will continue to work collaboratively with more trustees, alongside OSCR, to help these trusts maximise their funds and reach for public good.  We know trustees want to make a real and positive difference to those who need it most. If you think your charity could benefit from support to spend its funds, please do get in touch with us and we’ll help you work out the best next steps for your charity.”

Steve Kent, Policy Manager at OSCR said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Foundation Scotland on this important Project and to see our joint effort to reach out to inactive trusts starting to bear fruit.

“We want public trust in charities to remain strong and never more so than in the present challenging times. It is vital that every pound of charitable funds is seen to be working hard for good causes but, even with best intentions, it is sometimes a challenge for trustees to make that happen.

“This Project is an excellent example of what can be achieved by offering trustees a little support and encouragement at the right time.”

For more information about the project visit:

https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/revitalise-trust

Renewable energy sector funds over £1m in Education and Training Grants

Foundation Scotland is supporting individuals to unlock their potential 

Growing numbers of Scottish communities are setting up dedicated Education and Training grants programmes across Scotland, thanks to community benefit funds provided by the renewable energy sector and onshore wind farms.  

Foundation Scotland has been able to support the distribution of more than 900 of these grants, worth over £1 million, since the first Education and Training fund was established in 2015.  

These funds have been specifically set up to support individuals with costs that are a barrier to accessing college or university or to cover expenses for training programmes and skills improvement that help them enhance their employment opportunities.  

Foundation Scotland has to date distributed over £150 million of funding to more than 12,000 organisations making a difference the length and breadth of the country. From local food banks and counselling services, to youth groups and training funds, they have awarded over 44,000 grants to charities, social enterprises and community groups across Scotland since they were established in 1996.   

However, support for individuals seeking to take that ‘next step’ to fulfil their employment potential is less well-known.  

Despite most university places being free in Scotland, the cost of attending can be prohibitive for many young people. Erin Morrison from Eastfield in North Lanarkshire recently received funds to help with rising costs relating to studies. Erin is now studying for a BEng in Civil Engineering and is the first person from her family to go to university.   

She successfully applied to the Harthill, Eastfield and Greenrigg Education & Training Fund for a total grant of £3,300, which will be split into three payments during her university course, helping to subsidise many of the costs relating to studying.  

Erin says: “I attended a school in a deprived area and was greatly affected by the SQA grade awarding system from 2020.

“Due to the lack of school funding, there are also very limited opportunities for students like myself. But I am now studying Civil Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, and I am the first person in my family to go to university.  

“However, there are so many additional costs. The fund has been a big help to me, it definitely takes the pressure off. You really don’t understand how expensive textbooks are for university, there’s quite a lot that you need. Many people don’t take that into consideration, so it has really helped me out.” 

Rachel Searle from Foundation Scotland said: “When individuals are supported to unlock their potential through training programmes and education, not only do they benefit, but the local economy does too.  

“The majority of those who have been awarded funds would otherwise not have been able to access support to further their career goals. This untapped talent lives in every community, and this type of fund is helping individuals and communities to flourish and grow.

“Foundation Scotland will continue to support and promote these localised education and training opportunities as a key way to ensure community benefit funds reach into the heart of communities.“  

For more details, visit www.foundationscotland.org.uk 

National Emergencies Trust to pilot disaster fundraising programme with local community networks

The National Emergency Fundraisers programme will build on Scotland’s remarkable Covid response

UK disaster response charity, the National Emergencies Trust, has announced plans to pilot a National Emergency Fundraisers programme in Scotland that will empower local community networks to support nationwide fundraising efforts at speed during domestic disasters.

The programme will invite networked organisations across the UK who have members who can support those who have a presence at village and street level, like Business in the Community, to receive tools, support and early warning alerts to help them raise funds fast in their communities when national emergencies arise. 

The programme will build on learnings from the National Emergencies Trust’s Coronavirus Appeal, which was able to raise nearly £100 million for those in great need within just weeks, thanks to fast-acting fundraisers. Nearly £10 million of this was distributed within Scotland, including £7 million to 1,400 grassroots charities and groups through Foundation Scotland.

At an event in Edinburgh co-hosted by the National Emergencies Trust, its patron, NatWest Group and partner, Foundation Scotland, the Trust, outlined how the National Emergency Fundraisers programme aims to build on Scotland’s ‘remarkable’ pandemic response. 

Lord Dannatt said: “The generosity and community spirit shown in Scotland during the Covid-19 pandemic was nothing short of remarkable. It happened organically but has created powerful blueprints for how national and local organisations can come together to support those affected by disasters.

“By providing community networks with fundraising tools and support ahead of the next national emergency, we hope to help them to step up at speed during future emergencies, playing a valuable role in the UK’s disaster resilience.”

Responding to the pilot announcement, Stewart Prodger, Chair of Neighbourhood Watch Scotland, said: “When crises arise, local community groups can be incredibly agile to act but it’s not always clear how they can best help those in urgent need.

“The National Emergency Fundraisers programme offers a chance to channel local energies and skills into fast, coordinated fundraising that could make a meaningful difference to people’s lives. With around 30,000 Neighbourhood Alert direct users, and over 1500 registered local groups, Neighbourhood Watch Scotland looks forward to hearing more about the pilot.”

Michael Duncan, Head of Giving Strategy & Programmes, Sustainable Banking at NatWest Group, which hosted the event at its flagship building in St Andrew Square, said: “It should be a source of great comfort that the National Emergencies Trust will be there during future domestic disasters to raise funds fast for those in urgent need.

“This new programme is a way to make that response even stronger, while enabling community groups to support the national giving effort at speed.”

Giles Ruck, Chief Executive of Foundation Scotland, who gave a keynote address at the event, said: “We learned from the pandemic that in times of national crisis, it is vitally important to get funds quickly to where they are most needed in communities.

“Based on this learning, funds raised by National Emergency Fundraisers will mean we can act fast to help those most affected by national emergencies, whether that’s offering financial support to survivors or awarding grants to local groups who can offer practical and emotional support.”

The event featured performances from charities that had received Coronavirus Appeal grants from Foundation Scotland.

These included a beautiful choir performance from the Forget Me Notes Project, who use music to build community and combat isolation in a variety of settings and entertainment by Dundee-based Shaper/Caper, a multi-award-winning dance organisation and charity who aim to shape the world through creative adventure. 

Also present were Edinburgh-based intercultural charity, Building Bridges, who connect cultures and support emerging communities in Scotland and Blood Bikes Scotland, a charity run 100 per cent by volunteers providing a free transport service to the Scottish NHS.

 

The event in Edinburgh also marked the third anniversary of the National Emergencies Trust.

Launched in 2019 on the recommendation of the Charity Commission following learnings from the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire tragedy and terror attacks in Manchester and London that year, the Trust was created to help to coordinate public fundraising and ensure equitable fund distribution during domestic disasters. 

The National Emergency Fundraisers National Emergency Fundraiser programme is a key part of the charity’s emergency preparedness work.

It will be piloted in Scotland over the coming months with networked organisations invited to input into the programme before its UK-wide roll-out next year.

To find out more visit: www.nationalemergenciestrust.org.uk 

pictures: Lewis James Houghton

Foundation Scotland has distributed over £150 million 

Major funder has supported over 12,000 organisations across the country 

Foundation Scotland, Scotland’s community foundation, has to date distributed over £150 million to more than 12,000 organisations making a difference the length and breadth of the country. 

From local food banks to counselling services, to youth groups to training funds, the major funder has awarded over 44,000 grants in total to charities, social enterprises and community groups across Scotland since they were established in 1996 

Foundation Scotland is an independent foundation that specialises in supporting charitable initiatives within local communities. 

The funds awarded to projects within Scotland’s communities are thanks to the generosity of donors who support the Foundation’s work. The breadth of donors includes individuals, families, companies, community bodies and other charities that work with the Foundation to set up and distribute charitable funds.

The Foundation connects donors’ funds with community organisations working on the ground, ensuring their support stays relevant to local circumstances to deliver real impact.  

Throughout the pandemic, the team at Foundation Scotland worked relentlessly to bring in new funds to meet the unprecedented demand from communities throughout the crisis. New donors such as The National Emergencies Trust helped the funder to distribute over £37 million in the two years that followed the first lockdown in 2020.   

Using the Foundation’s extensive knowledge and proven reach within communities, the funds were distributed quickly to where they were needed most.

Thousands of groups across Edinburgh and Lothians have received vital support from Foundation Scotland.  These include organisations such as Edinburgh Tool Library (above), Edinburgh Women’s Aid and North Edinburgh Dementia Care. 

The funder continues to work closely with communities across Scotland to identify and support the most critical needs emerging during cost-of-living crisis, working with new and existing donors to create funds for charitable groups. Being able to distribute additional funding is as much a priority now as it was throughout the pandemic.

Giles Ruck, Chief Executive at Foundation Scotland, said: “Reaching this significant milestone of over £150 million distributed to date is an outstanding achievement. For over 25 years, we’ve maintained our vision of supporting confident, thriving, resilient communities across Scotland, and we look forward to continuing this support to deliver continual impact.  

“We know that local groups are best placed to offer support as they have the knowledge, passion and determination to deliver exceptional results.    And for every community to thrive, it should be resourced to match its vision and powered by transformative funding.

“Thanks to the generosity of donors, corporates and individuals, we have collectively enabled and empowered thousands of vital local projects, such as Aberdeen Sailing Trust, to transform lives for the better.   

“We are currently experiencing overwhelming demand for funding, and we will continue to work hard to reach and connect with new donors keen to distribute funds effectively at a local level so that together we can continue to deliver extraordinary support.” 

From grantmaking to social investment opportunities, legacies to bursaries, Foundation Scotland is continually developing innovative and effective ways for donors to help Scotland’s communities thrive.

Anyone interested in supporting their work can contact: development@foundationscotland.org.uk or call 0131 524 0300. 

For more details, visit https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk

North Edinburgh Arts secures funds to build a brighter future

Charity will receive £300,000 from Foundation Scotland

North Edinburgh Arts (NEA) has secured vital funding from Foundation Scotland, Scotland’s community foundation, to develop and grow it’s popular community spaces.  

This investment will support the charity to refurbish, redesign and extend its existing arts centre on MacMillan Square to create a high-quality culture, arts and meeting space for current and future generations to enjoy for years to come.   

North Edinburgh Arts is a purpose built creative and community venue in Muirhouse, that has served the whole of North Edinburgh, for over 20 years.

The existing 2-storey hub incorporates two studios, a 96-seat theatre, recording studios, offices and a café with children’s play area and large garden. This current centre is a well-loved and well-used venue, but the charity seeks to expand facilities to meet growing needs in the area.  

Muirhouse, one of the most deprived wards in Scotland, is currently the focus of targeted regeneration, building 700 new homes, a health facility, a new nursery and creating a new town centre around MacMillan Square. The new ‘MacMillan Hub’, developed through a dynamic partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, will become an anchor building creating and enhancing community life, offering services for everyone, whilst focusing on the most disadvantaged. 

The £300,000 from Foundation Scotland’s Investing in Enterprise Fund has enabled the charity to move its ambitious build plans forward.  Half of this funding is a non-repayable grant, with the remainder through a low interest loan.  The Foundation Scotland team prides itself on working together with applicants to offer more than just the traditional funding offer, also providing unique insight, planning support and advice to help attract further investment. 

Maria Law, Social Investment Executive at Foundation Scotland, said: “The MacMillan Hub will be an important and inspiring place for everyone in the local community and we are extremely proud to be supporting its development.

“It was clear from our first meeting with the North Edinburgh Arts team that they had both the vision and the determination to turn their plans into reality and we are delighted to be here with them today to see the action on site.   

“The £300,000 investment from Foundation Scotland will support the charity to increase its footprint by a third so that they can provide more local people of all ages and all abilities with creative classes and community activities at a time when it’s never been needed more.  

“Thanks to these new facilities, families will have an affordable safe and welcoming place to come to and enjoy, young people will be given more opportunities to develop skills, confidence and self-esteem, and older people will feel part of a connected community. 

“We know there are other groups that urgently need this support to get started or grow, and this is even more challenging in the current climate. We are encouraging all interested groups to visit our website or contact our team directly to discuss their eligibility.”

 Lesley Hinds, Chair of North Edinburgh Arts, said: ”This new capital project will allow North Edinburgh Arts to flourish and bring a first-class facility to Macmillan Square. NEA is a special place for the community of North Edinburgh and is a trusted anchor organisation now fully in community ownership thanks to our recent Community Asset Transfer.

“The development of NEA and the MacMillan Hub has cross-party support, locally and nationally, with this enthusiasm matched by that of our community. This enthusiasm has kept us going through some difficult times and now, with thanks to Foundation Scotland’s funding and capacity-building support, we are looking forward to bringing a truly inspirational place to the heart of Muirhouse.” 

The City of Edinburgh Council and North Edinburgh Arts expect the MacMillan Hub build to be completed by the end of 2023. 

Foundation Scotland’s ‘Investing in Enterprise Fund’ offers up to a quarter of a million pounds in blended finance to eligible social enterprises, community organisations and charities operating in 18 local authority areas.  

For more information, including details on how to apply for the Investing in Enterprise Fund visit: foundationscotland.org.uk/social-investment  

Deacon Blue star opens new community café and pavilion in Grassmarket

Offering everything from woodwork classes to meals for those who are homeless, the Grassmarket Community Project aims to create a community and provide sanctuary for those in the city who are often excluded.  

The registered charity runs the fully accessible community hub and café on Candlemakers Row where people can pop in for their caffeine fix and something fresh to eat knowing that all proceeds support social good in the area. 

However, with demand for their services growing year on year, and with the café rapidly running out of space, the registered charity secured funding from Foundation Scotland.

An investment of over £375,000 has enabled the organisation to extend its existing facilities and create a brand-new pavilion space hosting Coffee Saints, a larger, bright and friendly café and improved spaces for activities.   

Ricky Ross is a long-term supporter of the Grassmarket Community Project’s work and was there on the night to officially open the space and meet staff, volunteers, supporters and local people.   

Foundation Scotland, Scotland’s community foundation, offers social investment funding to social enterprises, community organisations and charities. Up to 50% of the funding is through a non-repayable grant, with the remainder through a loan. Foundation Scotland’s social investment team prides itself on its relationship-based support and helps successful applicants to raise further funds.  

Chris Holloway, Head of Social Investment at Foundation Scotland, said: “Grassmarket Community Project secured over £375,000 from Foundation Scotland and we have worked closely together across the last few years to get to this exciting stage.  

“Jonny and the team have worked so hard to get to where we are today.  It’s great to finally have the doors open and get to see inside the spaces which will mean so much to so many. 

“The funding landscape has changed monumentally post-covid.  There are far less available opportunities for capital costs, and building costs are rising significantly.  Yet we know groups urgently need this support to get started or grow. We’ve invested over £12.5 million in 72 organisations across the last ten years.

“This funding, combined with our dedicated and experienced support, has delivered transformational change. We enable socially conscious groups to become more sustainable, grow, and become less reliant on grant funding. It’s a win-win all round, and our impact reporting shows that this funding model works.

“We are encouraging all interested groups to visit our website or contact our team directly to discuss your eligibility”.   

Jonny Kinross, CEO of Grassmarket Community Project, said: “The support we’ve received from the team at Foundation Scotland has been instrumental in enabling us to plan, develop and now finally officially open our fantastic new café and pavilion in the centre of the city.  

“We’re extremely grateful to have received such a significant sum across the combination of loan and grant funding but above this, the team have offered a real partnership approach to the finance, which has been so refreshing and supportive.  

They have taken the time to understand our business, the challenges and the opportunities presented.  

“Like everyone else, our project was inevitably held up through the crisis, but the team have been with us every step of the way.  We are so excited that our doors are now open, and we can’t wait to meet old and new friends for a coffee in the new café.”  

Foundation Scotland’s ‘Investing in Enterprise Fund’ offers up to a quarter of a million pounds in blended finance to eligible social enterprises, community organisations and charities operating in 18 local authority areas.  

For more information, including details on how to apply for the Investing in Enterprise Fund visit: 

foundationscotland.org.uk/social-investment 

Closing soon: Funding for activities tackling alcohol-related harm

The Scotch Whisky Action Fund offers eligible projects up to £25,000 – closes 25th April 

Foundation Scotland, Scotland’s community foundation, set up the Scotch Whisky Action Fund (SWAF) in 2013 and has to date awarded over £940,000 to 70+ projects aiming to reduce the negative impact of alcohol-related harm across Scotland.    

Only open once a year, Foundation Scotland is urging interested groups to apply now as applications close on the 25th April 2022.  Offering up to £25,000 in funding; it is the only fund dedicated to tackling alcohol-related harm in Scotland and supports targeted interventions, new initiatives and pilot projects designed to tackle alcohol-related harms in Scotland’s communities.   

Jennifer McPhail, Funds Adviser at Foundation Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to be running this important funding stream again.  

“Now in its ninth year, the Scotch Whisky Action Fund has already made a massive impact on individuals and communities affected by alcohol-related harms. The alcohol industry plays an important role in Scottish society, and Scotch Whisky is at the heart of the industry. 

“However, the misuse of alcohol through excessive or inappropriate consumption can have implications for health and a range of social problems, including anti-social behaviour, violence, family breakdown, problems with money and work.  This can impact individuals, families and communities.   

“The fund is not set up to support recovery or treatment of alcohol issues. Rather it’s for innovative projects  to educate, raise awareness, and prevent future alcohol-related harm.

“Examples of projects include preventative training programmes and diversionary activities for young people, peer support groups for carers and family member counselling services.  

“There are many examples of previously funded projects available on our website and we are advising interested groups to carefully read through all the guidance before applying. We are encouraging those that are interested to progress quickly as the fund only opens once a year.”  

Groups such as Waverley Care, Paisley YMCA, Bright Light and Govan Youth Information Project have received project support across the lifetime of the fund.   

Projects which secure funding from SWAF, and can demonstrate an impact after their first year of funding, may be able to receive further funding of up to £25,000 per annum for a maximum of three years, to support their initiative.

For full information, including eligibility criteria and application details visit:

https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/scotch-whisky-action-fund  

New funding to support social prescribing art therapy

Over £85,000 awarded to 12 organisations from Foundation Scotland’s PHP Community Impact Fund

Foundation Scotland, Scotland’s community foundation, has announced a dozen community projects in Scotland have received a funding boost thanks to the new PHP Community Impact Fund.  

The fund, established by Primary Health Properties, launched last Autumn to offer support for health and wellbeing initiatives in the communities served by its medical practices.

Managed by Foundation Scotland, one of only two community foundations in the UK to pilot the new initiative, the fund is designed to provide additional and innovative services for those most in need from the patients served by practice buildings owned by PHP across the country. 

Social prescribing enables a holistic approach to people’s health and wellbeing and is increasingly being used to complement the work of GPs and their teams.

The approach continues to play a vital role in helping communities recover and rebuild after the coronavirus pandemic, with a particular emphasis on services to support mental health and combat loneliness.

As one of the UK’s leading investors in modern primary healthcare facilities, PHP created the Community Impact Fund to support GP practices and their communities with this model of care. 

Two Edinburgh-based projects – Thistle Health and Wellbeing (£10,000) and Carr-Gomm (£5000) – have received PHP Community Impact funding.

Jennifer McPhail, Fund Adviser from Foundation Scotland,  explained: ““We were delighted PHP chose Scotland to pilot this innovative new fund. With 38 properties spread across the country we were able to reach community projects from the Lothians up to Aberdeenshire.

“The Community Impact Fund launched at a critical time following the height of the pandemic. As our NHS continues to be under immense pressure, this is a fantastic initiative from PHP to help improve patient wellbeing outcomes, quality of life and emotional wellbeing” 

Teapot Trust, a mental health charity in Musselburgh that provides support for children and families coping with chronic conditions received £5,000 from the fund for a new social prescribing project providing one-to-one art therapy sessions for children and young people.  

Working closely with Community Link Workers, Teapot Trust will encourage self-referrals from children, young people and families in need of support in order to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Sarah Randell, Chief Executive, Teapot Trust, said: “We are most grateful for the support of Foundation Scotland. The funding we have received from the PHP Community Impact Fund is extending the reach of our one-to-one art psychotherapy service for children and young people struggling to cope with a chronic physical condition.  

“The Teapot Trust self-referrals scheme enables families to get the support they need when they need it most. This funding is supporting referrals from either a PHP owned GP Practice or directly from one of their patient families for the first time.

“Teapot Trust is delighted to help children and families build resilience, develop healthy coping mechanisms and improve mental health and wellbeing through this work across Scotland.”  

Across Scotland, a total of £86,927 was distributed among 12 organisations delivering a range of health and wellbeing programmes for their local communities.

These include services to support young people’s mental health and social inclusion, art therapy for children with long-term chronic conditions, gardening activities to promote wellbeing. This is an excellent example of true partnership working with GP’s, social prescribers and community groups coming together to deliver targeted solutions to their patients. 

Harry Hyman, CEO of Primary Health Care Properties, commented: “We were delighted with the range and scope of the applications to our new Community Impact Fund.

“It’s clear that social prescribing is an important area of growth in promoting health and wellbeing and we look forward to hearing how the organisations we have funded are able to develop their services over the coming months.”

Foundation Scotland marks 25th anniversary

Scotland’s community foundation has distributed over £130 million to date 

Foundation Scotland, Scotland’s community foundation, is marking the organisation’s silver anniversary this St Andrews Day – also aptly ‘Giving Tuesday’ this year. 

 Originally established in 1996 as ‘Scotland’s Community Foundation’, the major funder has distributed more than £130 million to charitable organisations, social enterprises, and community groups operating across Scotland since its launch 25 years ago. 

The foundation specialises in supporting charitable initiatives within local communities: from local food banks to counselling services, to youth groups and education and training funds.

Set up with an initial group of three staff, the Edinburgh-based foundation now has over 30, managing around 100 different national and local funding programmes each year.  

Earlier this year the foundation began offering investment for social enterprises following the integration with Resilient Scotland, further expanding the breadth of financial support offered to charitable groups and enterprises.   

Through the pandemic, Foundation Scotland awarded over £1.1 million in crisis support grants to 268 Edinburgh-based community projects. 

Supported groups included The Eric Liddell Centre, East Lothian Roots and Fruits, Sikh Sanjog, Bridgend Farmhouse and The Edinburgh Tool Library (above).  

Quite often, groups can be eligible for more than one source of funding from the foundation and some organisations have received ongoing support from Foundation Scotland for many years.

The team pride themselves in getting to know and understand funded groups, supporting them with essential funding and vital advice to help them to develop and sustain their services.  

Giles Ruck, Chief Executive at Foundation Scotland, said: “We are proud to be Scotland’s community foundation.  For 25 years, we’ve maintained the vision of supporting confident, thriving, resilient communities across Scotland.

“And for every community to thrive, it should be resourced to match its vision and powered by transformative funding. That’s where we come in. Over the last quarter of a century, we have connected the generosity of donors, corporates and individuals, to enable and empower vital projects and grassroot-led change.  

“As we look ahead, we will continue to work hard to reach and connect with new donors keen to distribute funds effectively at a local level so that together we can continue to deliver extraordinary support.” 

The generosity of local donors 

Foundation Scotland is an independent charity. The funds awarded to projects within Scotland’s communities are thanks to the generosity of donors who support the foundation’s work.  

The breadth of donors includes individuals, families, companies, community bodies and other charities who distribute funds. The foundation connects donors funds with community organisations working on the ground, ensuring their support stays relevant to local circumstances and delivers real impact.

Even throughout the pandemic, new donors have come on board, and new funds have opened to help support communities through the crisis and beyond. 

In the summer of 2020, Edinburgh-based investment company Martin Currie approached Foundation Scotland to design and brand a new fund to help them support charities and community groups in Edinburgh, with consideration for projects across Scotland.

Their priorities were to address inequality and support initiatives that improved social and environmental sustainability.  The Martin Currie Community Partnership Programme launched in September, and to date has awarded almost £44,000 between 8 organisations Recent grantees include Edinburgh Remakery, Venchie Children and Youth Project and the Salisbury Centre. 

Jennifer Mair, Chief Operating Officer for Martin Currie said: “The Martin Currie Community Partnership Programme (MCCPP) is delighted to partner with Foundation Scotland to support local charities that promote diversity and inclusion, or social and environmental sustainability.

“The MCCPP was established in 2020 and focusses on the communities where we live and work by partnering with and building deep and lasting relationships with organisations who are well placed to help us deliver Martin Currie’s goal to improve lives.” 

Case Study: The Melting Pot 

The Melting Pot is Scotland’s Centre for Social Innovation. Based in Edinburgh’s city centre on Carlton Road, the organisation runs a large coworking hub, meeting venue and events programme for charities, social businesses, campaigners and freelancers.   

Foundation Scotland has supported The Melting Pot for over 15 years.  The organisation received its first award from the funder back in 2006 and has received £120,000 from a number of different funds to support their growth and development since 2006.  

Claire Carpenter, Founder and CEO of The Melting Pot said: “Foundation Scotland have been an instrumental investor for me and The Melting Pot. They’ve been part of the birthing story – twice now!

“Back in the 00’s when “Coworking” wasn’t a thing you could Google, they saw the potential in my big, novel and very practical idea to better support our sector, in all its diversity. Then, due to Covid, the landscape changed once again – for good.

“We’ve been able to play to each other’s strengths to help #BuildBackBetter. I’m looking forward to seeing how together we co-create the conditions for social innovators to thrive in the years ahead.” 

More Info:

From grantmaking to social investment opportunities, legacies to bursaries, Foundation Scotland is continually developing innovative and effective ways for donors to help Scotland’s communities thrive.

Anyone interested in finding out more can contact:

development@foundationscotland.org.uk 

or call 0131 524 0300. 

For more details visit https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/