Wood Family Trust launches £400,000 programme to grow next generation of Scottish philanthropists

A national campaign to encourage young Scots to become philanthropists was launched last week by Garreth Wood, son of Sir Ian Wood and trustee of the Wood Family Trust.

The trust’s £400,000 investment in the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI), will allow more than 9000 pupils from 50 secondary schools across Scotland to engage with over 200 grassroots organisations, many of which will benefit from a series of £3,000 donations.

Pupils taking part in the programme, which is being delivered by the Institute for Philanthropy, will gain a greater understanding of the key issues facing their local community. It will also help them develop the skills necessary to select the organisation they believe is best placed to make a positive impact on addressing these issues. The final piece of the programme hinges on teams of young people presenting their reasons for choosing an organisation to a panel of YPI judges who will decide which ones deserve to secure £3,000 to support their chosen cause.

Garreth Wood, said, “YPI is a unique and innovative way to expand the minds of young people as well as support local charities. Philanthropy isn’t just about giving money; it’s about intelligent and strategic giving, being advocates, realising people’s passions and broadening their understanding of social community issues.

“At the trust, our ultimate goal over the next two years is to help create a new generation of caring young citizens,” he added. 

As well as launching YPI in Scotland, Wood will sit on the judging panel and host a series of assemblies at participating schools. He will provide pupils with an insight into his own experiences as a young philanthropist and underline the importance of giving back to local communities.