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Thousands revealed for Scottish charities

The funding will be awarded by the Scottish Building Society (SBS) who have previously awarded grants to 28 charities across the country.

In May 2023 SBS embarked on a mission to better communities in Scotland. They formed a partnership with Foundation Scotland – the country’s main charity funders – and created a pot worth £175,000 to help not-for-profit organisations.

Image: Arkaig Community Forest Volunteers.

Since the initial fund was created, 28 charities have been awarded grants over the course of three rounds. During the latest cycle, 11 charities were successful in their application and were spread over Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Highlands, South Ayrshire and the Scottish Boarders.

Highlands-based Partnerships for Wellbeing was one of the lucky organisations to receive funding and they have remarked it will be used to provide vulnerable adults with 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; Aberdeen City First Responders.
 

Image: volunteers with yurt and barn – Greener Peebles.

Following the success of the first three rounds, SBS have announced the launch of its fourth round of funding. Applications are open from now until 21st October and charities can apply for grants worth up to £5000.

SBS particularly welcome 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 young people

Paul Denton, CEO of SBS, said: ‘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,’ Denton added. ‘As we approach our next round of applications, I look forward to continuing our work to invest in good causes.’

More information about how to submit an application can be found here.

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Emily Whitehouse
Writer and journalist for Newstart Magazine, Social Care Today and Air Quality News.
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