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YOUTH AND PHILANTHROPY INITIATIVE

About YPI

Since it was introduced to Scotland in 2008 by The Wood Foundation, YPI has engaged more than 200,000 young people who have taken responsibility for £4.5m of charitable giving.

YPI is the biggest independent initiative being delivered in Scottish education. Each school is responsible for directing a grant of £3000 to a local charity championed by its students through a unique programme of teamwork, research, and competition.

YPI engages a full year-group of students, developing skills and confidence through a contextualised learning experience. The programme raises awareness of social issues and local charities, and is a vital means of enabling devolved, locally driven grant making.

YPI is managed and principally funded by The Wood Foundation. A dedicated team works closely with all participating schools to fully realise the opportunity for their settings.

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Our participating schools

See which other schools in your region are delivering YPI through our interactive map below.

We would be happy to facilitate introductions between schools, contact ypi@thewoodfoundation.org.uk

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purple pin Partnership funding schools
green pin Schools in years one to three

MEET THE TEAM

The Wood Foundation manages YPI in Scotland, employing a dedicated programme management and delivery team, supported by in-house administration, evaluation, and communication expertise.

CENTRAL TEAM
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Jonathan Christie

Deputy UK Director at The Wood Foundation

Jonathan oversees the YPI programme, managing its strategic direction, budgets, and stakeholder engagement. Jonathan has been responsible for the growth of YPI since 2011 and has a strong background in third sector, social work and sports development.

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Lynsey Brosnan

Development Lead

Lynsey leads the development of our resources, offering, and partnerships. She manages a team of regional facilitators and has coordinated the programme since 2016. Her career spans the private and public sectors, with a particular focus on the development of young people.

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Alex Reid

National Coordinator

Alex manages a cohort of our regional facilitators, alongside leading our remote cohort schools and delivery protocols. Alex has coordinated the programme since 2017 and has held a number of project management and administration roles in the public, private and third sectors.

REGIONAL FACILITATORS
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Margaret Thomson

Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire

Margaret’s career highlights include 20 years as a primary school head teacher. She has a particular passion for Learning for Sustainability, global education, and Rights Respecting Schools.

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Anne Sim

Moray and East Highland

Anne worked as a manager in the healthcare for more than 20 years. She is heavily involved in third sector activities through regular volunteering and support for local charities.

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Lynn Raynal

Glasgow, East and West Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, Falkirk, and remote support to Argyll & Bute, and Highland

Lynn’s background includes significant experience in the voluntary sector and she is passionate about making a difference through both her work and her voluntary commitments.

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Susan Beattie

Edinburgh, Fife, East Lothian, Midlothian and Scottish Borders

Susan was a Head Teacher of a South Ayrshire secondary school. She has also held Depute Head and Principal Teacher roles in a number of large comprehensive secondary schools.

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Jane Clifford

Clackmannanshire, Stirling and West Lothian

Jane held a number of secondary education roles and was part of the team developing Curriculum for Excellence. She has also developed and managed a number of Education Scotland programmes.

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Alistair Cairns

East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, South Lanarkshire and Dumfries & Galloway

Alistair worked in secondary schools for 20 years, including time spent as a Head Teacher, before holding a number of national roles in education.

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Isabel Johnstone

North, East & South Ayrshire

Isabel was a Music Teacher and Depute Head Teacher in Ayrshire during her education career.

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Kenny McKeown

Dundee, Angus and Perth & Kinross

Kenny has more than 35 years’ experience in education. His secondary school career was followed by central roles including Quality Improvement Officer and developing the Future Skills College.

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Alex Reid

Orkney, Shetland and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (remote support)

Alongside national coordination of YPI, Alex remotely supports our island and rural schools.

“My advice for younger pupils starting YPI would be to simply enjoy it. Research thoroughly to find a charity that you feel passionate about and the progress will become a lot easier. When planning your presentation be creative, think outside the box and this will make the experience so much more beneficial and fun. You will get out of this experience as much as you put in."

Abbie, Bo'ness Academy

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Our funding partners

Working with likeminded partners supports the sustainability of YPI as we grow the opportunity throughout Scotland.

>> Find out more | Partnership zone
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