News

Inspiring Scotland’s Annual Report 2023-24 published

The annual report provides an overview of the work undertaken to deliver on our strategic priorities and mission to improve the lives of people across Scotland.

Last year Inspiring Scotland managed 16 funding programmes delivering to our strategic priorities ‘Improving Life Chances for Children and Young People’ and ‘Flourishing Lives’. We managed over £46m of funding as fund owner, delivery partner and fund manager for philanthropists, Trusts & Foundations, Scottish Government, and for local government.

These programmes supported over 156,000 people across Scotland’s communities, thanks to the efforts of the 351 organisations funded. Nine of these programmes are providing long term funding of five years or more. During the year, three programmes opened for new applications with requests for funding exceeding £23 million from 160 applications.

We reached significant milestones for several of our funds with:

• Our Future Now marking the half-way point in its 10-year funding cycle;
• Cashback for Communities commencing its sixth phase;
• Link Up successfully transferring work to communities; and
• Support in the Right Direction taking forward its fifth year of work.

During the year we developed further relationships with the philanthropic and private sectors, bringing additional money, skills and opportunities to the voluntary sector.

Celia Tennant, Inspiring Scotland Chief Executive, said: 

 

“We know that the voluntary sector continues to face significant challenges with increased demand and financial insecurity. The predominance of short-term funding and associated jeopardy, puts untold pressure on sector staff and leaders. We continue to provide long term funding wherever possible and advocate for fairer funding for the voluntary sector. There is more to do here, and we are committed to use our evidence and experience to influence this area as much as we can, with public service reform a key area of focus.

 

“Our partners tell us that our approach, focus on building relationships, trust and flexibility are highly valued and important aspects of our model. We will continue to build on our strengths and be responsive to feedback and insights, and where we can improve.

 

“The work that has been delivered in the past year is only possible thanks to the commitment and ability of Scotland’s voluntary sector. And Scotland needs to continue to support this sector, as the challenges faced are far from insignificant.”

Read the Annual Report here.