Allia C&C boosts social enterprises for change

The Financial services firm Allia C&C has announced grants amounting to £150,000 to support impactful projects across the country. This initial phase of grants is part of a broader programme that Allia intends to roll out in Scotland, showcasing its dedication to social impact within the framework of managing the Scottish Government’s Charitable Bond Programme. The seven selected organisations represent leaders in Scotland’s social enterprise sector, aligning with the government’s objectives of eradicating child poverty, preventing homelessness, boosting the economy, addressing climate change, and enhancing public services.

These organisations presented well-researched plans that required a financial push to move from aspirations to reality. Thanks to Allia’s grants, these projects are now poised to make a significant difference:

• Albyn Housing Society – Empowering households in the Scottish Highlands to start anew after facing adversity during the pandemic.
• EPIC Think Learn – Offering free online support to parents of undiagnosed neurodivergent children in the Scottish Borders, bridging the gap caused by long waiting lists for assessments.
• Govan Home Team – Developing a Bee Highway to increase biodiversity in Glasgow through community involvement and training.
• Govan Housing Association – Improving living conditions for vulnerable tenants in Govan by enhancing insulation and property maintenance.
• Simon Community Scotland – Expanding services at the Connect Hub in Glasgow to provide enhanced support to women experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
• The Tannahill Centre – Combating food insecurity and child poverty in Paisley’s Ferguslie Park by offering nutritious meals and counselling services.
• The Wheatley Foundation – Establishing a Glasgow Food Larder to promote food accessibility, choice, community engagement, volunteering, and reduce antisocial behaviour.

The Charitable Bond Programme has played a pivotal role in funding Housing Associations throughout Scotland, enabling the construction of much-needed affordable homes. Allia C&C is now extending its impact by reinvesting in initiatives supporting not-for-profit social enterprises and community projects that enhance the social, economic, and environmental well-being of Scottish communities.

Allia C&C’s Director of debt capital markets, Peter Freer, emphasised the company’s commitment to driving both financial prosperity and social progress. He stated, “Our decision to provide grants from our own income illustrates our dedication to effecting real change in communities across Scotland.”

In May 2024, Allia C&C invited grant proposals from housing associations and charities, resulting in £150,000 being allocated to seven projects that align with the company’s mission of building resilient and equitable communities. The Tannahill Centre in Paisley and the Simon Community in Glasgow are among the beneficiaries of this funding initiative.

The Tannahill Centre manager, Paul Irwin, expressed gratitude for Allia C&C’s support, highlighting the expansion of services for seniors, enhanced counselling services, and increased accessibility to professional support within the community.

Lorraine McGrath, Chief Executive of Simon Community Scotland, commended Allia C&C for recognising the potential of the Connect Hub, emphasising the critical support it provides to women experiencing homelessness in Glasgow.

Paul McLennan, the Housing Minister, acknowledged the significant contributions made by Allia C&C in delivering the Charitable Bond Programme, reinforcing the government’s commitment to building a fairer and more prosperous Scotland.