Allia C&C supports high impact projects with £150,000 grant funding

SFHA associate Allia C&C has announced that is has made grants totalling £150,000 to support high impact projects across the country.

This is the first stage in a programme of grants which it expects to make across Scotland. The grant programme demonstrates Allia’s commitment to social impact as an integral part of managing the Scottish Government’s Charitable Bond Programme.

The seven organisations receiving a share of the £150,000 - including two SFHA housing associations members - are working towards eradicating child poverty, preventing homelessness, growing the economy, tackling climate change and improving public services. Their well-researched plans needed a financial boost, and Allia’s grants are making the difference between ambition and reality:

• Albyn Housing Society – Empowering households in the Scottish Highlands, whose living conditions suffered during the pressures and changes brought by the covid pandemic, to make a fresh start.

• Govan Housing Association – Lowering the cost of living for Govan’s more vulnerable tenants; by getting the best from their new home insulation and restoring their home conditions.

• EPIC Think Learn – Providing free online support to parents of undiagnosed neurodivergent children in the Scottish Borders, so they can flourish despite 3 year waiting lists for assessments.

• Govan Home Team – Creating a Bee Highway, through training and whole-community involvement, in one of the least biodiverse areas of Glasgow.

• Simon Community Scotland – Boosting the development of, and services in, the new city centre Connect Hub.  The Hub can now open more frequently to increase its support to women experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in Glasgow.

• The Tannahill Centre – Tackling food insecurity and child poverty in Ferguslie Park, Paisley.  The afterschool clubs, parents and older people have healthy meals during the expensive school holiday period, plus easy access to counselling. 

• The Wheatley Foundation – Refurbishing and getting supplies for a third Glasgow Food Larder, in partnership with Good Food Scotland.  Larders make food more affordable, provide choice, reduce isolation, enable volunteering and reduce antisocial behaviour. 

The Charitable Bond Programme has already proven essential in funding Housing Associations across Scotland, facilitating the construction of much-needed affordable homes. Now, Allia C&C is extending this impact through this reinvestment initiative to support not-for-profit social enterprises and community projects that promote the social, economic, and environmental wellbeing of Scottish communities.

Peter Freer, Director, Debt Capital Markets and Head of Allia C&C’s Scottish Office, commented: “As a socially responsible financial organisation, we are committed to driving both financial success and tangible social progress. Our decision to provide grants from our own income underscores this commitment and reflects our dedication to making a real difference to communities across Scotland.”

In May 2024, Allia C&C sought grant proposals from housing associations and other charities, receiving a range of applications from across Scotland. By July 2024, £150,000 was allocated to seven projects that align with the company’s long-term vision of building resilient and equitable communities.

Since opening its Scottish office in 2020, Allia C&C has demonstrated that it is a business with a strong allegiance to social impact.  With this exciting funding initiative, the company aims to make a real difference by getting great ideas off the ground, to bridge the gap between ambitious proposals and provision in real life.