100 Charities join in celebration
In celebration of its commitment to charities based across the breadth of Scotland, Bank of Scotland Foundation welcomed over 100 (combined) MSPs and charities to its third annual reception at the Scottish Parliament earlier this week. The Foundation has distributed in excess of £4.7m to over 700 charities since its launch in November 2010, enabling charities to support almost 100 jobs and have a direct impact on over 80,000 people.
Speaking at the event, John Swinney, MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth in the Scottish Government said: "The work of the Bank of Scotland Foundation provides a lifeline in helping Scotland's voluntary organisations through some challenging times. Many voluntary organisations are small local bodies and the Foundation's grants programmes make a real difference to them and the communities they serve."
"This government is committed to doing what it can. But even in a more favourable economic climate, the efforts of organisations like the Bank of Scotland Foundation will be a key part of the overall support framework for the third sector."
Bank of Scotland Foundation
The Bank of Scotland Foundation is an independent charity that is dedicated to supporting people and their local communities throughout the breadth of Scotland. Its goal is to help communities flourish by making a real, tangible, difference to many thousands of people in deprived areas. The Foundation receives an annual donation of £2m from Lloyds Banking Group to fund its Grants Programmes and Matched Giving Programme.
Also speaking at the event, Kate Guthrie, Chair of Bank of Scotland Foundation and HR Director, Culture, Capability and Engagement confirmed the launch of a new Financial Inclusion Grants Programme and revealed that through the Foundation's current programmes, a further 26 charities will receive grants of almost £215,000 this month.
Focussing on the newest grant programme Kate said: "Financial education and money advice has never been more important. They are key skills that every one of us requires. The impact of the grants we make will be further amplified by Lloyds Banking Group's volunteering manpower. I am confident that, together, we will be able to make a meaningful and visible difference within our local communities."