South West Arts & Music Project (SWAMP), Crossroads Youth and Community Association, Govanhill Baths Community Trust, Woodlands Community Development Trust, Govan Community Project, 3D Drumchapel, Community Central Hall, Connect Community Trust, Lambhill Stables, LINKES, and Rosemount Lifelong Learning have been selected for funding grants, totalling £312,000.

Each community group plays a pivotal role in their local area, working with families, young people, and vulnerable groups to offer support through a range of initiatives. SWAMP uses music, film, and the arts to engage with vulnerable young people, whereas Rosemount Lifelong Learning offers a range of courses and learning opportunities to boost employability and skills development, as well as providing childcare services and additional community support.

Seven of the organisations receiving funding through this latest tranche of awards have been previous recipients of funding, reflecting the strong ongoing relationships which HFD and Virgin Money Foundation are developing with each of the charities - in many cases offering additional support beyond funding, through a range of capacity building initiatives.

The Glasgow Community Anchors’ Fund was launched in June 2020 and the HFD Charitable Foundation and Virgin Money Foundation have to date pledged £700,000 to support organisations across the city. Initial funding offered support through the Covid-19 crisis and, so far, more than £500,000 has been awarded to a range of community groups and charities.

HFD Group’s flagship development at 177 Bothwell Street – the city’s largest single office building – is set to become Virgin Money’s new Scottish headquarters later in 2021.

Karene Hill, trustee of the HFD Charitable Foundation, said: “As the world begins to return to a sense of normality, community anchor groups will become more important than ever for the people who use their services. It is important that in our recovery from Covid-19, we do not leave anyone behind and the charities we’ve selected for this latest round are delivering incredible support to people in need. Since the launch of the Community Anchors’ Fund last year, we have witnessed first-hand the impact that community groups have in their local areas, however, continued access to funding is crucial in enabling them to engage with as many people as they can.” 

Nancy Doyle-Hall, executive director of the Virgin Money Foundation, added: “Supporting hard working community groups across Glasgow that create positive change in their local area is our focus. Our community anchors continue to work in challenging conditions, but their passion, resolve and impact is truly incredible.”