Twenty inspiring UK charities will receive a share of a funding pot of over £1.2 million from the ScottishPower Foundation, empowering them to continue supporting local communities and protecting the environment.

The charities across Scotland, England and Wales are tackling many of the most pressing issues faced by people across the nation – from homelessness and mental wellbeing to climate action. Providing educational opportunities and support for society's most vulnerable people, the funding will help charity projects continue their crucial work and bring positive change in communities that need it most. 

Among the funded projects is Streetwise Opera which is launching a new programme to support people who have experienced homelessness in London, Manchester and Nottingham through the power of opera. The ScottishPower Foundation will support Streetwise Opera’s new ‘Streetwise Sessions’ – enabling the charity to take performing arts workshops to top arts venues to challenge societal perceptions of homelessness.

Rachael Williams of Streetwise Opera said: “We are delighted to have been awarded funding from the ScottishPower Foundation. From our 23 years of working with people who have experienced homelessness, we know the immense skill, creativity and dedication that they bring to the stage for every production that we make.

“We are ambitious for what they can achieve and, to realise our mission of changing perceptions of homelessness, we need funders who understand and share this ambition.”

In Scotland, ScottishPower Foundation funding will boost the Aberdeen Science Centre’s exciting ‘Sustainable Superstars’ project. This initiative makes learning accessible and enjoyable for all to inspire a lifelong passion for science.

The new ‘Sustainable Superstars Roadshow’ will take interactive climate change lessons to 30,000 people in communities across Northeast Scotland including within some of the most deprived Scottish neighbourhoods. Exploring new topics such as sustainable travel, fashion and food as well as carbon emissions, the project seeks to inspire children and adults to embrace innovation for a greener future.

Bryan Snelling, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Science Centre, said: “As a STEM education charity that aims to inspire the next generation and instil a lifelong interest in science, we are always looking for fresh and creative ways to reach our audiences.

“We are very grateful to the ScottishPower Foundation for this funding, with our team busy developing activities for our new ‘Sustainable Superstars Roadshow’, which will help to educate and inform participants.”

Also among the supported projects in 2025 is Small Woods ‘Coed Lleol’- the UK association for woodland stewardship and care that promotes the environmental, social, economic and cultural benefits of bringing together woodlands and people.

Funding will be used to expand its arts-based woodland wellbeing activities in Wales, bringing people closer together through a shared cultural and natural environment. Its activities aim to local people’s physical and mental wellbeing through activities such as print-making, willow weaving and cyanotype nature printing. It also brings together participants through meals cooked on an open fire. 

Alison Moore of Small Woods (Coed Lleol) said: “We are excited to receive the funds from the ScottishPower Foundation that enable us to bring more art and heritage in nature to people across Swansea and Carmarthenshire.

“Nature interventions have been proven to have a positive impact on physical and mental wellbeing, and we hope to bring awareness of this to more people through this project working with local communities.”

Since 2013 the ScottishPower Foundation has donated over £15 million to more than 250 projects supporting people, communities and the environment. This year’s funding of over £1.2 million, aims to bolster projects focused on education, training, climate action, the arts and social initiatives that will make a real impact in their communities.

Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “It’s a really challenging time for many communities, so the charitable projects we support are more important than ever. We’re always looking to back organisations we feel will drive positive and lasting change across the UK.

“We believe this year’s funded projects play a crucial role within our society – tackling some of the toughest challenges faced by communities across the country. We’re inspired by volunteers and charity workers doing incredible things in these communities and we can’t wait to see the extraordinary things they achieve this year.”