Three Scottish charities working hard to support their local communities - two of which are based in Dundee – have been bolstered with a share of £500 funding courtesy of Hillcrest Group.

The funding is being donated as part of Hillcrest’s Gift Aid initiative, which sees a portion of the organisation’s profits injected into a grant fund. This fund is then available to Hillcrest’s own in-house charitable projects, as well as external charities that have Hillcrest tenants as service users.

Dundee International Women’s Centre, which seeks to engage, educate and empower women from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, was delighted to take hold of a cheque for £200. This cash is earmarked to go towards their Lunch Club through December.

Fairfield Community Sports Hub, which is also based in Dundee and offers a range of sports and activities to the local community, were also delighted to receive £100. The project aims to provide opportunities to improve the health and wellbeing of members of the local community. This is achieved through offering a range of physical and recreational activities with an emphasis on inclusion. The Sports Hub will use the funding for equipment and general resources.

The third charity to benefit from the funding boost was Edinburgh-based 6VT Youth Cafe, receiving £200 for drop-in session resources. 6VT offers a centralised “one stop shop” for young people from all backgrounds, many of whom may be vulnerable or undergoing various challenges.

Since its launch in 2013, Hillcrest’s Gift Aid initiative has supported 109 charitable projects and activities with grant funding of over £700,000.

Hillcrest’s fundraising and grants officer, Clare McNally, said: “The Gift Aid process allows us to invest profits from Hillcrest.

“Each year we encourage staff to suggest how and where the money would be best spent so that the funds can benefit our service users and tenants. The initiative also highlights opportunities for collaboration and partnership working to ultimately benefit those who need it.”

Joy Watson, Hillcrest tenant services manger, added: “Through Hillcrest’s Gift Aid programme it’s great to be able give something back locally, and hopefully help connect our tenants with their communities even more.”