A new community fund has been established to support communities and good causes in and around Dundee.
For the past six years, the city’s Al-Maktoum College has been working with Foundation Scotland to distribute nearly £100,000 through the foundation’s express grants programme.
The launch of the new fund will enable the college to continue its legacy of supporting charities and groups in Dundee.
It has offered invaluable financial support to those delivering projects in the fields of learning and education, multiculturalism, interfaith and cultural engagement and youth development.
The college is also a keen supporter of those in the city who provide opportunities for those with physical or learning disabilities. Past recipients have included the HMS Unicorn Preservation Society, which received a grant from the fund to purchase a new lightweight stage to replace its cumbersome old one.
This new stage has enabled the society to make better use of the space and it is now able to offer a more varied programme of events for families and the wider community, as well as hiring the space out to other organisations.
Other groups to benefit since 2009 include the Angus Special Playscheme, the Rock Solid Youth Project and Taymara.
The college’s director of operations, Abi Abubaker, said: “The Al-Maktoum College Community Fund may be a new name but it has been supporting community groups and charities in Dundee and the surrounding area since its formation by the college in 2009.
“Its impact has been considerable, with almost £100,000 distributed to those who have sought financial assistance. The fund has helped groups working across various sectors, including residents’ associations, schools, sports clubs, youth groups, senior citizens’ organisations and more.
“Without this funding, many applicants might not otherwise have been able to fulfil their objectives. We look forward to offering continuing support to future applicants.”
Giles Ruck, Foundation Scotland CEO, said, “We have worked with Al Maktoum College for the last six years, helping them with their grant making.
“We are delighted to continue to work with them and that we have been able to develop a fund which helps them tackle the issues which are important to them and we hope this fund will leave a lasting legacy in Dundee and the surrounding areas.”