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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 230,000 young people who have taken responsibility for £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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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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Lynsey Brosnan

Development Lead (Currently on Maternity Leave)

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

Delivery Lead

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.

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Lucia Giuntoli

Partnerships Manager

Lucia leads on partnerships related to our YPI programme. She works alongside our network of likeminded funding partners to ensure maximum benefit is being derived from the investment for the organisations and the young people involved in the programme. She is also the dedicated point of contact between YPI and third sector organisations. Alongside this partnership focus, Lucia is involved in the operational delivery and development of YPI. Lucia’s career has focussed on connecting businesses and education in order to support experiences and engagements which create mutual benefits.

REGIONAL FACILITATORS
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Steve Dougan

Highland

Steve has more than 35 years of experience in education. He was a head teacher of a Falkirk secondary and also worked with Falkirk Council, Education Scotland, and Scottish Government focussing on positive destinations for school leavers.

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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

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

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

Alongside national coordination of YPI, Alex supports direct delivery in a number of regions.

“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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