Grantmaker hands £2m to charities as it prepares to wind up its activities

Essentia Foundation has handed eight charities in Scotland £250,000 each to improve the lives of young people, as the grantmaker looks to close its operations.

The money has been handed to charities to tackle youth unemployment, poverty, poor mental health and barriers to education.

The Foundation has made the funding awards as it confirmed it is winding up its activities, with its £1.5m legacy fund to be handed over to its long-term partner Foundation Scotland, which it has worked with since 2017.

Foundation Scotland will use Essentia’s legacy to provide small grants to charities supporting children and young people.

Among charities benefiting from Essentia’s final funding round is the Venture Trust, which is using outdoor therapy and wilderness journeys to build confidence among 70 young people .

Another is Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise Torry programme n Aberdeen, which will use its grant to offer music tuition and develop opportunities for around 800 children and young people.

“Scotland’s young people are facing some of the toughest challenges in generations, and the need for support has never been greater,” said Essentia Foundation chair Brian Davidson.

“These eight charities are already making a real difference in communities across the country. This funding will help create opportunities, build resilience, and give young people the skills and confidence to thrive.

“The impact of these projects will last well beyond the life of the programmes themselves, and we hope it also sparks further support from others who want to see Scotland’s young people flourish.”

Aberlour Childcare Trust, Bethany Christian Trust, Children First, Cyrenians and The Outward Bound Trust have also received grants through this latest tranche of funding.

This £2m investment brings the total invested in youth projects by the grantmaker in 2025 to £3.5m.

Foundation Scotland head of philanthropy and quality Helen Wray said: “We are honoured to continue Essentia Foundation’s legacy through the new fund. For the last eight years, our team has had the privilege of working alongside Essentia to ensure its resources reach young people who need them most.

“This next chapter will see us build on that partnership by supporting grassroots organisations across Scotland.

“We look forward to helping smaller charities deliver vital opportunities that improve wellbeing, education and future prospects for children and young people, ensuring Essentia’s legacy and impact endures for years to come.”