Launched in Glasgow in 2023 by the Hymans Robertson Foundation, Wheatley Foundation, FARE Scotland, Glasgow City Council, Murgitroyd Foundation and Clyde Gateway, the Wee Bursary supports children and young people in the city with direct, individual bursary support to go into or maintain a positive destination. A sister Wee Bursary initiative has now been launched in Edinburgh.

With support of £20,000 from its Community Fund, SafeDeposits Scotland’s contribution will help nearly 100 young people in the two cities overcome financial barriers and support hardship funding and development grants for young people progressing in education, learning and employability, helping them reach their next goals and securing better financial futures.

Carol Bradburn, head of SafeDeposits Scotland, said: “We’ve seen the ongoing impact of the Wee Bursary in Glasgow, managed by FARE Scotland, reaching financially vulnerable young people. Last year, the Wee Bursary in Glasgow supported over 340 children and young people overcome hardship, provided development grants in the form of travel, access to IT/digital kit and data, and supported young people in moving into learning and employment.”

“With other Bursary co-funders, we know the difference small bursaries can make to young people’s lives. With the launch of the Wee Bursary in Edinburgh, supported by Money Ready as the grant manager, we can extend our funding support in the year ahead.”

Marcella Boyle, Hymans Robertson Foundation CEO, said: “Since we introduced our Bursary programme in October 2020, the Foundation has built a strong co-funder network with Glasgow leading the way on city-based bursaries. With bursaries now running in Glasgow, Birmingham, Edinburgh and from later this year London, our funders network continues to grow, and with that growth, more financially vulnerable young people are supported with essentials and development grants.

“I’d encourage other organisations, like SafeDeposits Scotland, who offer community funds to consider joining our funding network and help young people secure a better financial future.”