Funder Foundation Scotland has announced a £12m package of funding to help charities in Scotland tackle the twin threat of rising demand and increasing costs.

Half of the funding from Foundation Scotland’s ‘response fund’ is being handed to Citizens Advice Scotland branches, which “are struggling to cope with surging demand for support” said the funder.

It is reporting that “there are often queues of people waiting for over an hour before doors open at the charity’s Leith branch, which is one of its busiest.

Through the funding award all 59 CABS, as well as umbrella body Citizens Advice Scotland, will receive funding of £100,000 over the next two years.

“Our network is seeing record levels of demand from people across all corners of Scotland,” said Citizens Advice Scotland chief executive Derek Mitchell.

“The advice we provide is fundamentally about bringing stability to volatility, but the people behind the network, the ones working tirelessly to help communities are facing increasing pressures.

“CABs own livelihoods are often marked with uncertainty and at the mercy of short-term funding cycles. Funding like this is a game-changer. It will allow CABs to take a breath and plan the next two years with more of a safety net around costs.”

Rising costs facing charities include this year’s increase in employer National Insurance costs.

Also being funded through the response fund is £500,000 to the Corra Foundation’s Boost programme, which is a small grants fund for local community organisations supporting children and families impacted by poverty.

“Small grants, designed to work for local groups, make a big difference. With Foundation Scotland’s contribution, Boost will be able to reach many more children and families across Scotland,” said Corra Foundaiton chief executive Carolyn Sawers.

Foundation Scotland chief executive Giles Ruck added: “As Scotland’s Community Foundation, we are acutely aware that people across the country are continuing to face ongoing financial hardship, struggling to keep their heads above water or pay their bills.

“We want to support communities and individuals where we can. As a first step, we are fast tracking this Response Fund to help address multiple and pressing challenges. We want to go at least some way to help those affected by financial crisis, as well as help organisations and charities to stabilise and rebuild.

“Although we are providing over £12 million in funding, we know that we are scratching at the surface.”

He added: “We are committed to using this fund as a stepping stone from which we can better support communities, listening to what people say that they need, and working with others to create a stronger, more resilient Scotland.

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