Scottish Community Foundation
The American-Scottish Foundation® is proud to create a philanthropic bridge between Scotland and North America by partnering with the Scottish Community Foundation.
The Community Foundation connects donors with local non-profit and community ventures the length and breadth of Scotland. In 2010 they will manage over 2,000 awards, distributing some 7 million pounds in funding on behalf of 200 client donors wishing to make a real difference to the people and communities of Scotland.
The philanthropic bridge between The American-Scottish Foundation® and the Scottish Community Foundation gives the American-Scottish community in the United States a way to support these unique initiatives and stay involved with projects effecting communities with which they have a connection. It provides individuals with the means to make a tax-efficient directed gift, to support charities delivering against themes reflecting their interests and in the communities closest to their heart. In return, individual donors will receive a report on the work of the charities supported and the impact of their gift.
Some examples of the Scottish Community Foundation's work follow:
Supporting children, families and communities
Rural – Stepping Stones for Families provides intensive support to vulnerable families living in the Girvan area. It aims to equip parents with the skills to create strong stable home lives and become positive role models for their children.
Stepping Stones For Families, Girvan
Urban – The Gorgie and Dalry Toy Library in Edinburgh offers parents and carers a low cost alternative to buying toys for their children. The library has become a meeting place for families of all nationalities, including some that would otherwise have no other access to the wider community.
The Gorgie and Dalry Toy Library, Edinburgh (and at top of page)
Cultivating community enterprise and employment
Rural – Rag Tag ‘n’ Textile in Kyle of Lochalsh is an innovative social firm that creates clothes, soft furnishings and accessories from unwanted fabric and clothing. It provides a safe and supportive environment for its volunteer staff, many of whom are recovering from mental health issues, while they rebuild their confidence and ability to rejoin the workforce.
Rag Tag 'n' Textile, Kyle of Lochalsh
Urban – In the heart of the city, Glasgow Wood Recycling Project is aiming to transform a derelict green space into a thriving eco-hub, while providing opportunities to volunteers from deprived backgrounds, many of whom have been involved with drugs, or have mental health problems. GWRP makes garden furniture, bird tables and window boxes out of reclaimed timber.
Glasgow Wood Recycling Project
Inspiring arts, music and culture
Rural – The North Ronaldsay Trust is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to preserve and restore the heritage of this Orkney isle. With its renovated lighthouse and Scotland’s only functioning foghorn, North Ronaldsay has attracted visitors from around the world. The Trust has also built a mill that processes wool from the unique breed of seaweed-eating sheep found on the island.
The North Ronaldsay Trust Lighthouse in the Orkneys
Urban - Reeltime Music is a community music charity based near Motherwell. The project provides engaging music-based activities for young people, many of whom have dropped out of mainstream education. The young musicians are given training opportunities, and many become youth music tutors, often returning to Reeltime as volunteers.
Reeltime Music, Motherwell
Encouraging sport and recreation
Rural – Thornton Rose Ride-ability Group believes that horse riding makes a difference to the lives of disabled children and adults. Whether the riders are there for sport or therapy, they all enjoy the clean air and physical challenge. For the parents and carers, the modest on-site Portacabin offers tea, coffee and a place to chat, which can often be a welcome respite.
Thornton Rose Ride-ability Group
Urban – Factory Skatepark is a BMX, inline-blading skateboarding centre in Dundee. Capitalising on its appeal to young people, it provides a range of youth and community support services, including a homework club, youth club and community IT classes.
Factory Skatepark, Dundee