Tag: Scottish Building Society Foundation

Scottish Building Society support for Portobello project

SCOTTISH BUILDING SOCIETY FOUNDATION has announced the launch of its fourth round of funding to support charities and continue its commitment to empowering good causes across the country.

Following the success of the previous 3 rounds, the Scottish Building Society Foundation has awarded a total of 28 grants to charities, enabling them to make a life-changing impact on local communities across Scotland.

11 charities were successful in their application during this third cycle, with the initiative seeing grants provided to charities across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Highlands, South Ayrshire and the Scottish Borders. 

One of the awarded charities, Highlands-based Partnerships for Wellbeing, will use the funding to give vulnerable adults regular opportunities to socialise and combat loneliness.

Jeff Zycinski, Manager of the charity, said: “It may seem simple, but our Friendship Club meetings and outings mean so much to those who take part. 

“It’s about getting out of the house, building a network of pals, having a laugh, maybe sharing a worry, and having new things to tell your family when you get home. It’s about living a long life well. The grant from The Scottish Building Society will help us do all of that.”

Other charities to receive grants include Urram; Parents and Friends of Ayton Primary School; Greener Peebles; Eyemouth & District Community Trust; Easterhouse Football Academy; S.I.S.G. Enterprises; Sunny Govan Community Radio; Arkaig Community Forest; Portobello Central SCIO and Aberdeen City First Responders.

A recent report from Foundation Scotland showed that following the first two rounds of funding, over 30,000 people had benefited from awards.

The next round of funding is open from now until Monday 21st October. Charities can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to power their initiatives and strengthen community impact. Scottish Building Society Foundation particularly welcomes applications that support:

  • Community facilities and services, transport, open spaces, affordable housing, community development, reduction of poverty, and care for the elderly 
  • Local community events 
  • Youth and education, providing training opportunities and support for vulnerable youngsters 

Launched in May 2023 by Scottish Building Society in partnership with Foundation Scotland, the Foundation aims to establish a best-in-class benchmark supporting community-based charities and groups. So far, 28 charities across Scotland have been awarded grants from the organisation’s initial fund of over £175,000.

Paul Denton, CEO of Scottish Building Society added: “As a mutual organisation owned by and run for the benefit of our members, we understand the importance of local communities and want to empower them wherever we can.

“Our last round was the highest number of charities we supported, awarding funding across the whole country.

“All of these charities support fantastic causes, and for many people, community groups and charities serve as a vital lifeline. We understand their impact, and with the support of our members, we are committed to continuing our part in helping them thrive and make a lasting difference.

“As we approach our next round of applications, I look forward to continuing our work to invest in good causes.”

For more information on the Scottish Building Society Foundation or to make an application, visit: https://www.scottishbs.co.uk/scottish-building-society-foundation

Charities set for funding boost from Scottish Building Society Foundation

EIGHT Scottish charities have been awarded up to £5,000 funding from the Scottish Building Society Foundation in a bid to aid their good causes across the country. 

The second phase of funding attracted 33 applications from across 11 local authority areas of Scotland, with the successful applicants chosen to receive individual grants to help their cause.   

The initiative saw grants provided to charities across Edinburgh; Glasgow; Highlands; East Renfrewshire; Scottish Borders; and South Ayrshire. 

Organisations to receive funding include Dr Bell’s Family Centre; Glasgow Children’s Holiday Scheme; Croy Public Hall; Highland Action for Little Ones; Mearns Kirk Helping Hands; Carrick Rugby Football Club; Friends of Dundonald Castle; and Gala Fairydean Rovers FC Community Trust.   

Scottish Building Society Foundation was established by Scottish Building Society in partnership with Foundation Scotland, with the initiative designed to give back to Scottish communities.  

Launched in May 2023 to align with the organisation’s 175th anniversary, an incredible £175,000 will be granted to local charities and good causes across Scotland.  

Applicable to a range of community groups and incentives, the Scottish Building Society Foundation particularly welcomed applications that support:  

  • Community facilities and services, transport, open spaces, affordable housing, community development, reduction of poverty, and care for the elderly  
  • Local community events  
  • Youth and education, providing training opportunities and support for vulnerable youngsters   

Previously, the last round of funding, nine successful charities from across Scotland were chosen to receive grants to the collective value of more than £30,000 to support their good cause. The third round of funding is set to open in spring 2024. 

Paul Denton, CEO at Scottish Building Society, said: “As part of our 175th anniversary celebrations, we wanted to mark the occasion with an incentive that upholds our core value of giving back to the communities.  

“All these charities have a fantastic cause and it’s great to see them being supported by the Scottish Building Society Foundation with funding.  

“With the second round of funding now finished, we’re encouraged by the variety of inspiring community groups and charities across Scotland and look forward to seeing how they use the funding to make positive impact.  We hope to see this go even further with the third round set for next year. 

“The Scottish Building Society Foundation, whilst in its infancy, we hope will make a big difference to many people across the country and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Foundation Scotland to grow the incentive in the years ahead.  

“By investing in good causes, we are building stronger communities.” 

For more information on the Scottish Building Society Foundation or to make an application, visit: https://www.scottishbs.co.uk/scottish-building-society-foundation 

Cycle Kitchen: Edinburgh Tool Library receives boost from Scottish Building Society Foundation

 A local charity has been awarded nearly £5,000 to combat transport poverty across the city. The Edinburgh Tool Library will benefit to the tune of £4,985 from the Scottish Building Society Foundation. 

The project – Cycle Kitchen – will see the development of a series of cycle maintenance courses aimed at tackling transport poverty, promoting bicycle tool proficiency, and fostering self-reliance in the community. 

The grant provided by the Scottish Building Society Foundation will be used to cover the training costs for three volunteers to obtain professional cycle mechanic certifications, as well as funding the purchase of workstation tools, training kits. Additionally, the funding will contribute to employing a project coordinator who will oversee volunteers, assist in course development and training, and organise community events to promote the course. 

Scottish Building Society Foundation was established by Scottish Building Society in partnership with Foundation Scotland, which is designed to give back to Scottish communities.  

Launched in May 2023 to align with the organisation’s 175th anniversary, an incredible £175,000 will be granted to local charities, causes and organisations across Scotland.  

The first phase of funding attracted 44 applications from across 11 local authority areas of Scotland, with nine successful applicants chosen to receive individual grants of up to £5,000 to help their cause.   

Paul Denton, CEO at Scottish Building Society, said: “As part of our 175th anniversary celebrations, we wanted to mark the occasion with an incentive that upholds our core value of giving back to the communities.  

“Edinburgh Tool Library’s Cycle Kitchen is a fantastic cause and it’s great to see it being supported by the Scottish Building Society Foundation with funding.  

“In the first round, we’re encouraged at the volume of interest from a variety of inspiring community groups and charities across Scotland and look forward to seeing how they use the funding to make positive impact.  With the second round, we hope to see this go even further. 

“The Scottish Building Society Foundation whilst in its infancy, we hope will make a big difference to many people across the country and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Foundation Scotland to grow the incentive in the years ahead.  

“By investing in good causes, we are building stronger communities.” 

Thomas Bartels, Project Coordinator at Edinburgh Tool Library, said: “Bringing Cycle Kitchen to life allows us to empower individuals seeking equality in transportation options. We’re here to facilitate those who may be curious about cycling as a means of transportation but are uncertain about bike maintenance.  

“Most importantly, for those looking for more affordable and sustainable alternatives to public transport or car ownership, Cycle Kitchen offers a chance to experience a free and health-conscious mode of travel from point A to B.” 

For more information on the Scottish Building Society Foundation or to make an application, visit: https://www.scottishbs.co.uk/scottish-building-society-foundation