Celtic, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock donate share of Anderson fund to charity

Celtic, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock have given their donations from philanthropist James Anderson to their partner charities, the SPFL Trust has revealed.

The Trust has confirmed that all 42 senior clubs have successfully applied for the Covid-19 crisis fund that amounted to a £50,000 grant following Anderson gifting £3,125,000, inclusive of gift aid.

Celtic have chosen their Foundation to be the beneficiary of their donation, while Aberdeen’s Community Trust and Kilmarnock’s Community Sports Trust have been the partner charities for the sums available to these Premiership clubs.

The Trust revealed that “at least 17 clubs” will use their grants to purchase Covid-19 testing kit and create testing facilities that will be available to the wider community and that already £800,000 has been paid out.

The money will assist clubs in creating bio-secure stadium environments as they prepare for the resumption of football. It is expected that all 42 clubs will shortly have their payments processed. The SPFL Trust stated that “a number of other clubs have directly referenced that some of the funding will support community activity via their own club charities” and that “all have given a clear indication of the way their local community will benefit from the grant”.

The Trust also explained that the Covid-19 Crisis Fund has a value of £2.1 million with the other £1,025,000 being split into two parts: Scottish Football United and the Anderson Fund – a “major new project” to be launched later this year.

The SPFL Trust stated that “Scottish Football United will bring together clubs, governing bodies, with national and local public agencies to create a focal point for future crisis planning and support. This will enable Scottish football to react and support communities quickly, and at scale. A new restricted fund will be set up, the Anderson Fund, which will fund new projects, which demonstrate a positive impact on health, attainment, or inclusion as well as any general related support during the Covid-19 crisis.

“We are pleased to have confirmed in just seven days that all clubs have met the eligibility criteria to secure their grant,” said SPFL Trust chief executive Nicky Reid, inset. “Once signed condition of grant letters are returned to the SPFL Trust, payments will be quickly processed.”