Hillcrest Foundation Awards £88,199 to Support People and Communities in Need
The Hillcrest Foundation has awarded £88,199 in its latest round of external funding to support charities and organisations helping people experiencing hardship across Scotland.
Grants have been awarded to 19 organisations delivering vital services that improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and create opportunities for people facing a range of challenges.
Established in 2020, the Hillcrest Foundation works to reduce inequality and isolation and support people experiencing disadvantage in the communities where Hillcrest operates. Steven Elder, Foundation Chairperson said: “I’m delighted that this latest round of funding enables so many organisations to continue their support of individuals and families across Scottish communities experiencing significant hardship.”
Aberdeen-based children’s charity Befriend a Child received a grant of £5,000 to support children and young people across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. A spokesperson for the charity said: “We aredelighted that the Hillcrest Foundation has chosen to sup
port our work with the award of a £5,000 grant. The award will help us continue providing vital support to children and young people facing challenging circumstances across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and help them to build the confidence, resilience, and positive relationships they need to overcome challenges, realise their potential, and create brighter futures.”
Fife-based charity Seescape, was also awarded £5,000 to support its work with people living with sight loss throughout Scotland. Ailsa Alcock, Head of Fundraising said: “Seescape are thrilled to havebeen chosen by the Hillcrest Foundation as a grant recipient. The £5,000 funding will enable Seescape to continue to support clients in Fife living with sight loss live full independent lives, stay connected to their friends, family and local communities, enjoy social activities, reducing isolation and improve mental wellbeing. Thank you, Hillcrest Foundation!”
The Reconnection Project in Dundee was awarded £2,880 to provide food gift cards to people attending its services. The funding will help ease the impact of rising food costs and encourage continued engagement with the project as participants work towards stable recovery. Suzanne McAulay, the charity’s Administrator said: “The grant will enable the Reconnection Project to supply food gift cards to our attendees. Not only will it provide an incentive to attend and help them transition into stable recovery, but it will help to alleviate rising food prices.”
The project’s small specialist team supports people recovering from addiction, navigating criminal justice services or living with mental health challenges, PTSD and related conditions. Participants develop practical skills through hands-on activities and collaborative projects, including woodwork, furniture restoration, gardening and a Nature Recovery Garden delivered in partnership with RSPB Scotland.
Through its annual external funding programme, the Hillcrest Foundation helps charities and community organisations maintain essential services, develop innovative projects and improve outcomes for people across Scotland.
For more information about the Foundation’s community initiatives and the full list of this year’s grant recipients, visit The Hillcrest Foundation.