The grants will help fund essential programs that provide direct relief from poverty, address social isolation, and offer vital resources to those most in need.

The funded organisations span a wide range of community needs, from providing warm meals and emergency food supplies to supporting mental health services and offering safe, warm spaces during the colder months. This grant cycle reflects Hillcrest Foundation’s commitment to supporting projects that tackle immediate challenges in local communities, empowering people to live better lives.

The Hillcrest Foundation, whose ambassador is world-renowned games entrepreneur Chris van der Kuyl, was established to help reduce inequality and isolation, and support communities and those experiencing disadvantages, challenges or disabilities in the regions Hillcrest operates in.

Foundation chair Steven Elder, remarked: “These 20 organisations are at the heart of our communities, working tirelessly to bring relief to those facing difficult circumstances. We are proud to support their efforts through these grants, which we know will have a meaningful impact on many lives. Together, we’re building communities where everyone has the resources and support they need to thrive.”

Some of the beneficiaries include:

• Dundee International Women’s Centre, awarded £4,400 to expand its support for disadvantaged women, offering help with health, benefits, and essential living resources.
• HELM Training, who have been awarded £2,500 to provide breakfast and lunch clubs and cooking skills for young people attending employability training.

Fiona Hunter, training manager at HELM, said: “We are delighted to receive a generous donation towards our work with vulnerable young people. This is greatly appreciated by everyone at Helm, but most importantly our young people who have suffered the impact of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis in addition to their existing challenges.”

Another beneficiary is Broke not Broken - a charity in Kinross-shire supporting people in poverty, who were awarded £5,000.

Hannah Duncan, development officer, added: “This funding will make a huge difference to the lives of our local community this winter, to provide winter warmer packs to so many more people this year impacted by the cost of fuel and food. We are very grateful to the Hillcrest foundation for their support”.