Good causes get £ 6m in funding from foundation
ACOMMUNITY foundation has distributed almost £ 6 million in funding to local groups since lockdown. Foundation Scotland says that the extraordinary amount of money that has so far been donated to groups demonstrates the need for the support provided by its Response, Recovery and Resilience fund.
One group who benefited from funding from Foundation Scotland is Weekday Wow Factor, based in Kelvinside and aiming to help older people tackle social isolation and loneliness.
The group was awarded a £ 4500 grant by Foundation Scotland.
Upasana Sallis, manager at Weekday Wow Factor, said: “Foundation Scotland funding has been incredibly important for our key services helping isolated older people who would otherwise be suffering through the crisis.
“The support has allowed us to provide new technology to community members who had never used more than a phone before, and we’ve taken the time to train them individually on how to use Zoom and WhatsApp for example.
“Now it’s great – they’re always in touch with each other, friends and family members who they can’t see in person and it means they can attend our free virtual fun events designed to offer fun, companionship and give something to look forward to through the winter months ahead.”
Another group that benefited from a £ 5000 grant from Foundation Scotland’s Response, Recovery and Resilience fund is Pollok- based group The Village Storytelling Centre.
The Village Storytelling Centre works within the community to provide story- led activities for people of all ages with support such as a weekly “Imagine Lab” video for toddlers throughout lockdown
Helen Mill, manager at Village Storytelling, said: “This essential grant has supported us to adapt many of our projects ensuring that we can meaningfully engage with our community and provide them with quality activities supporting well- being during these dark winter months.”
Groups are being urged to apply for funding from Foundation Scotland to help get “winter- ready”.
Helen Wray, head of programmes at Foundation Scotland, said: “Groups across the country are coming together to urgently deliver essential and critical services to those most in need. We understand our support is needed more than ever.
“Crisis grants enable dedicated groups to offer vital services in protecting the most vulnerable from long- term impacts. Therefore, our fund will remain open to applications for support where it is needed most.”
We’ve taken the time to train them on how to use Zoom and WhatsApp