The growth and sustainability of YPI is supported by a range of like-minded funding partners who dedicate funds and time to empowering Scotland’s young people.

Here, some of our 2020/21 funding partner shared their pride in being a partner of the efforts of #generationchange.

Gordon McKillop, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for CalMac, said: “Young people are increasingly more aware of social issues and the effect on the lives of people in their communities. YPI is a wonderful example of partnership working and we are proud that our people support the young people involved progress through the programme and make a difference in their local area.”

 Catherine Simpson, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Equity Partners (SEP), said: “We have been a proud partner of YPI in Glasgow for four years and during that time have been inspired by what the young people of the city have achieved on behalf of local charities. As responsible growth equity investors we are keen to encourage the next generation of good corporate citizens and YPI enables us to do this while delivering on our commitment to supporting communities in Glasgow. Congratulations to all the schools, students, and charities who so successfully engaged in YPI during this challenging year.”

Simon Pitts, Chief Executive of STV and STV Children’s Appeal Trustee, said: “We’ve been a YPI funding partner for eight years now, and in that time we’ve been consistently impressed by the ability of young people to identify social issues within their communities and take the right steps to address them. Not only does this programme train students in the crucial areas of teamwork, problem solving and communication, but it also has a hugely positive impact on our charity partners and, ultimately, the children they work with. 

“We’d like to congratulate the students across the country for their incredible efforts this year, and look forward to continuing our partnership with the YPI during the next academic year.”

Kathryn McKee, Head of Communications and Advocacy, bp Scotland: “We are proud to partner with The Wood Foundation to support YPI in the North-east. YPI gives us an opportunity to invest in the next generation, while ensuring funds reach worthwhile causes. Eight bp employees recently had the pleasure of judging some of the YPI school showcase finals, seeing first-hand the passion and creativity the students have invested to support their charity of choice.”

Alan McLeish, Managing Director of The QTS Group, said: “The ethos of YPI aligns perfectly with QTS and we have enjoyed being a part of this initiative which helps so many charities throughout Ayrshire. We are proud to be helping create active citizens within the schools and our team have really benefitted from being involved in both the judging and mentoring process.”

Jeff Newton, Head of External Affairs at abrdn, said: “YPI enables young people to make a real difference to their local communities whilst showcasing their commitment, creativity, and innovation. We are proud to be a lead funder of the programme which enables young people to have their voices heard in the Edinburgh community. For the past three years colleagues have been involved with mentoring students and judging YPI Showcases, and we have always been incredibly impressed by the maturity and conviction of the presentations.”

Sam Pattman, Sponsorship Manager at Baillie Gifford, said: “In what has been a challenging year, it has been inspiring to hear how the young people have had the opportunity to drive forward change within their local community.  It is important to encourage others to give back and for the young people to be empowered to make their own decisions.  Well done to all the students, schools, and charities who committed to YPI and made a real difference.”

Blair Thomson of The Northwood Charitable Trust said: “We are proud to partner YPI in Dundee and Angus. The young people have done an incredible job this year, in challenging circumstances, to make a difference for their communities and the charities doing an important job therein. The creativity and commitment they show through their YPI engagement is very inspiring. Well done to all involved.”

Employees from our partners often sit on judging panels at YPI Showcases, as well as mentoring finalist students in support of their presentations. This is recognised as an important employee engagement and development opportunity, as well as a chance to strike up meaningful community and school partnerships.

Visit https://ypiscotland.org.uk/partnership-zone/ for a full list of our funding partners. For more information on engaging with YPI in your region, email ypi@thewoodfoundation.org.uk.