Bob Doris, Glasgow MSP has welcomed the recent launch of 'Inspiring Scotland', led by Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, the country's largest independent grant-making trust, which aims to invest between £70m and £100m in long-term voluntary sector projects working for the 14-19 age group over the next ten years.

The SNP MSP said: "This is an excellent new initiative and I would invite voluntary and community sector organisations to apply for funding if they are working with that age group."
 

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) have described Inspiring Scotland as "great news for Scottish charities".

Approximately £9m of the funding for the next three years comes directly from the Scottish Government. The venture aims to deal with the problem of charities and voluntary sector groups being funded for short-term projects and to provide long-term funding, delivered in parallel with organisational development.

The fund will support organisations to fund their core services, expand services and move into new areas.

Inspiring Scotland's first fund is being targeted at 14 – 19 year olds struggling to make the transition from school to work or further education.  It is estimated that there are approximately 32,000 young people in Scotland who fall into this category.

Commenting, Bob Doris said: "Government involvement has been vital to create this initiative which links trusts, charitable foundations and a range of philanthropic investors to a national strategy.

"For the first time, voluntary sector organisations will be able to apply for funding on a seven-year timescale and this will be hugely beneficial to them, in terms of their ability to provide better services and in terms of stability for staff posts.

"Too many young people in Scotland have been failed by the system. The SNP Government's investment in this new initiative will help Scotland's third sector find better ways to offer chances and opportunities for 14 -19 year olds to obtain training, continuing education or work."