Launched in 2019, Our Future Now (OFN) is a 10 year fund which aims to transform the life chances of young people unfairly disadvantaged by their circumstances. Over the first five years, the fund value has totalled £45m making OFN the only third sector collaborative and long-term investment programme operating in Scotland at this scale.
Our Future Now invests in a portfolio of 12 third sector organisations which deliver programmes for young people across Scotland.
The First Minister and Minister for Higher and Further Education Graeme Dey, joined Inspiring Scotland to launch the mid-point impact report of its 10-year youth employment fund.
“I didn’t think it would change my life, but it has. I can provide for my family, and they won’t ever feel like I did growing up in care.”
There is a bedrock of young people in Scotland that struggle to succeed even when the economy is thriving, and job opportunities are plentiful.
When young people do not have access to adequate resources and supportive relationships, with limited financial means and lacking nurture they face more challenges to successfully progress to adulthood. OFN exists to bridge gaps and ensure that these young people are given the support and opportunities required to progress.
The Our Future Now portfolio of ventures comprises of some of the best organisations in the country that specialise in supporting young people to succeed, often against the odds.
The Fund offers a long-term commitment of financial and non-financial investment, alongside bespoke organisational development. Subject to performance, the portfolio will receive this support over the 10-year lifespan of the fund.
This model is a highly engaged multi-investor model based on long term commitment. The model is flexible and Inspiring Scotland Fund Managers work with charities in the portfolio to ensure investment is put to best use and achieves the best possible outcomes for young people.
It is vital that Our Future Now continues to deliver support to young people that need it most.
Within the OFN Fund and portfolio we have the skills, experience, and collective determination to help more young people make a success of their lives. This work is only possible because of the support of investors who share this commitment.
The fund is open to new investors on a rolling basis for contributions at all levels and this is vital to our continued success. If you would like to get involved, please get in touch with Inspiring Scotland to find out more.
Reports:
Year Five – Mid point Report
Year one | Year two | Year three | Year four
Insight papers:
Falling Through the Cracks: an insight report on the needs and response needed to support young people.
Employer Links: an insight report the importance of employer engagement in enabling young people with the most challenging lives to compete in the face of fewer opportunities and greater competition for jobs.
Disadvantaged Young people: the depth of the impact of Covid-19 our insight paper on the impact and needs of young people.
Our Future Now (OFN) is a 10 year fund which aims to transform the life chances of young people unfairly disadvantaged by their circumstances. In this Year 6 interim report we highlight the issues being addressed through the OFN fund, as well as the impact achieved over the past 6 months (April – September 2024).
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Inspiring Scotland’s Annual Report for 2023-2024 provides an overview of the work we have undertaken to deliver on our strategic priorities and mission to improve the lives of people across Scotland. Last year we managed over £46m of funding as fund owner, delivery partner or fund manager for Scottish Government and private investors for social
Read MoreThis report sets out findings from a survey of the young people and staff involved in the Our Future Now programme. 2024 marks the mid-point of Our Future Now and Inspiring Scotland wished to explore young people’s experiences of the fund and the difference it was making – to inform the next five years of
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Are you a business professional looking to make a meaningful impact in your community? Join Inspiring Scotland’s Specialist Volunteer Network (SVN) and use your skills for social good! If you’re looking for a New Year’s resolution with real purpose, join the network and: Gain skills and knowledge through working with a new sector Expand your
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“[My mentor] made me believe in myself again” Over the summer, 12 tech gurus from financial firm Morgan Stanley were matched with those who work in the third sector in Scotland to embark on a six month mentoring programme through Inspiring Scotland’s Specialist Volunteer Network. Morgan Stanley is a global leader in financial services and
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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
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Aberdeen Foyer provides housing support to young people aged 16 years and over in crisis situations. This core service is complemented by a holistic range of programs including money management, employability initiatives and counselling. Investment supports those aged 16-25 who have been, or are at risk of, exclusion from education and supports the provision of
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OFN investment supports ENABLE Works’ flagship schools transition programme Stepping Up, which enables young disabled people to make a successful transition from school into employment, education or training. Supporting young people age 16+, specialist Employment Coordinators work with each young person to build their aspiration for work and to gain the skills employers value. Through vocational
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Street League is a leading Youth Employability provider in Scotland who deliver services with 16-25 year olds who are not in work and who face barriers to progressing in life. Street League delivers sport (including football, dance, gym based fitness and multi-sport programmes), SQA accredited learning opportunities and employability work as a package to support
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Louise believes in getting the best from people to help them to have the greatest impact on Scotland’s most vulnerable people. On board since the very beginning, her expertise in organisational strategy and leadership development have been instrumental to the way Inspiring Scotland works. Louise has a breadth of experience in the voluntary and public....
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Having started a long and varied career on the fishing boats around Oban and Mallaig, Duncan’s hard-working attitude and strong team spirit make him a great fit for Inspiring Scotland. Duncan went on to have a long and extensive career in banking and insurance where he held many senior roles in sales, distribution, compliance, marketing....
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Julia draws on her extensive experience in leading charities and growing social enterprises gained as CEO of an Economic Development Agency and working as an Academic for the Scottish Poverty Information Unit. Qualified in Marketing, Social Research and Psychology, Julia brings a rigour around evaluation and evidencing impact. She has European funding experience and worked....
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Claire is a Business Studies graduate who has worked within several multinational organisations, with experience in Projects, Resourcing, Team Management and Business Support. After several years progressing her career in London, Claire decided to take a career break to raise her two sons. This later coincided with a move to Scotland and a change in motivation....
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If you are interested in finding out more about our work in this area or any of our learning then we would be pleased to connect.
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