Tag: last round of funding grants announced

FROM STEM TO THE SEA: Scottish charities benefit from share of £1.2m Scottishpower Foundation fund

Seven Scottish charities are set to receive a share of funding pot of over £1.2 million from the ScottishPower Foundation.

From environmental conservation to helping to provide education and opportunities to those in need, the projects, along with thirteen other charities in England and Wales, will receive a funding boost to empower them to continue to support the local environment and the communities they serve. 

Aberdeen Science Centre’s ‘Sustainable Superstars’ is set to benefit from funding. The soon-to-launch project is designed to make learning accessible and enjoyable for all to inspire a lifelong passion for science.

The new ‘Sustainable Superstars Roadshow’ will take interactive climate change lessons to 30,000 people in communities across North East Scotland within some of the most deprived Scottish neighbourhoods.

Exploring topics like sustainable travel, fashion and food as well as carbon emissions, the project seeks to inspire children and adults to embrace innovation for a greener future.

Bryan Snelling, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Science Centre, said: “As a STEM education charity that aims to inspire the next generation and instil a lifelong interest in science, we are always looking for fresh and creative ways to reach our audiences.

“We are very grateful to the ScottishPower Foundation for this funding, with our team busy developing activities for our new ‘Sustainable Superstars Roadshow’, which will help to educate and inform participants.”

Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “Aberdeen Science Centre’s ‘Sustainable Superstars Roadshow’ is an excellent community-based project that will inspire the next generation of STEM experts, helping pupils in the north east to get a better understanding of how each and every one of us can make a difference to our global climate challenges.

We’re always looking to back organisations we feel will drive positive and lasting change across the UK and believe this year’s funded projects play a crucial role within our society – tackling some of the toughest challenges faced by communities across the country. We’re inspired by volunteers and charity workers doing incredible things in these communities and we can’t wait to see the extraordinary things they achieve this year.”

Another project receiving a share of the funding is Camphill Blair Drummond, an organisation providing residential places and day service activities for adults with learning disabilities. The ScottishPower Foundation’s funding will support the renovation of its media studio to create a new space for filmmaking and recording with advanced equipment.

By equipping individuals with the skills required for potential employment or further study, the project hopes to foster confidence and creativity within the community. Additionally, the project plans to expand its learning disability film festival, celebrating diversity through the arts and giving a voice to the learning disability community within Scotland and beyond.

On the Isle of Mull, The Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust has been a pioneering force for the conservation of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in western Scotland for the past three decades.

The Trust will receive funding from the ScottishPower Foundation to support its latest initiative, Hebridean Marine Explorers: Connecting Scotland’s Seas and Communities.

Developed to inspire young people and local communities through unique outdoor education experiences and innovative co-design approach, the project comes complete with “floating classrooms” aboard the research yacht, Silurian.

The programme offers truly unique and immersive educational workshops where students can learn about marine life, conduct self-led research, and develop solutions to local environmental issues.

Additionally, a series of digital lessons will extend the project’s reach, fostering ocean literacy across Scotland and engaging a wider audience in marine conservation efforts.

Since 2013 the ScottishPower Foundation has donated over £15 million to more than 250 projects supporting people, communities and the environment. This year’s funding of over £1.2 million, aims to bolster projects focused on education, training, climate action, the arts and social initiatives that will make a real impact in their communities.

A full list of the 2025 ScottishPower Foundation funded projects are: