In just two weeks’ time, hundreds of young people, educators, and third-sector leaders will gather for the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) National Event 2026. As the largest independent initiative being delivered in Scottish education, this milestone event marks the culmination of a year of social action, celebrating the profound impact young people are having on their local communities.

Since its inception in Scotland by The Wood Foundation, YPI has engaged more than 430,000 young people across all 32 local authorities who have taken responsibility for £9.3m for charities tackling everything from mental health to food poverty. By empowering students to advocate for local causes and secure grants for charities, the programme bridges the gap between the Scottish curriculum and real-world civic engagement.

This year’s theme, Generation Change, will recognise the influence young people continue to make within their communities, while building confidence and future skills for the years ahead. Through YPI, a generation has moved from being learners in a classroom to leaders in their communities, and the National Event promises to celebrate the pupils who have championed charities close to their hearts and shown a genuine commitment to social advocacy.

For the third sector, YPI is also an invaluable pipeline. It introduces potential lifelong donors, volunteers, and advocates to charities that might otherwise remain under the radar. For policymakers, the programme serves as a blueprint for how experiential learning can foster a more empathetic and engaged electorate.

Sarah Chew, UK Chief Executive Officer at The Wood Foundation, said:

“Each year, the National Event serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary potential of young people across Scotland and of what can be achieved when they are given both a platform and a voice. By placing the responsibility of a £3,000 grant directly into their hands, we are sending a clear message: their voices matter, and their decisions can have a meaningful and lasting impact. Through YPI, we are not simply educating young people about the world around them; we are equipping them with the confidence, skills and sense of responsibility to help shape it.

“It is also a valuable opportunity to recognise and bring together the many people and organisations who help make the programme possible, including our funding partners, local authority colleagues, third sector organisations and the schools whose continued enthusiasm and support play such an important role in the success of YPI”

The event will be hosted by pupils from The James Young High School in West Lothian with young people from nine local authorities including pupils from Mearns Academy, St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School, Turnbull High School, Forrester High School and Firpark  set to perform.

Dee Bleakley will take to the stage as keynote speaker to deliver an inspiring talk, and the event will also feature performances by Scottish musical duo SAINT PHNX and chart-topping artist Nathan Evans.

At a time when global challenges feel overwhelming, YPI harnesses the power of active citizenship. Young people identify social issues in their community, from mental health support and poverty relief to prevention of domestic violence and build direct relationships with the charities tackling these problems. As we approach the National Event on 10 June 2026, YPI is calling upon charities, funders, and policymakers to witness the scale of the legacy being created and support YPI as an investment in the social fabric of Scotland.