ScottishPower Foundation pledges £1.2M for arts, climate & digital inclusion

The cash boost, confirmed for 2026, will fund hard-hitting projects tackling everything from climate education and digital exclusion to mental health and wellbeing through the arts - at a time when charities are under more pressure than ever.

Charities across England, Scotland and Wales will use the funding to expand vital services, reach new people and deliver real change in the communities that need it most.

Thanks to the additional support, one of the projects, run by London’s oldest sight loss charity, BlindAid, is introducing an inspiring new initiative that pairs essential digital skills training with a weekly social lunch club for blind and visually impaired adults.

Richie Walden, Director of Operations and Acting Chief Executive Officer at BlindAid, said: "Funding from the ScottishPower Foundation will enable BlindAid to transform the lives of isolated blind and partially sighted people in London. Many face significant digital exclusion due to the cost of assistive technology and a lack of tailored training. This grant allows us to deliver high-quality, person-centred screen reader courses, led by our blind digital skills tutor who brings invaluable lived experience.

Through this programme, participants gain the skills to access essential online services, build confidence in navigating the digital world, and expand their social networks both in-person and online. With the ScottishPower Foundation's support, we can directly reduce digital exclusion and help people build the independence, confidence, and social connections they deserve."

In Scotland, the ScottishPower Foundation’s funding will support Dundee Heritage Trust’s major transformation of Discovery Point. More than just a gallery, it serves as an inspiring community hub that empowers visitors to connect with our changing planet and honours Dundee’s maritime legacy by sparking a passion for climate action in future generations.

Sophie Walker, Development Officer at Dundee Heritage Trust, said: “We are utterly delighted with the grant from the ScottishPower Foundation towards the next stage of our transformation project at the home of the Royal Research Ship Discovery in Dundee.

This is really a once-in-a-generation unique opportunity for our visitors, and for Dundee, to be able to explore this much bigger story of Discovery, not least for the many thousands of school children who visit the museum each year, and who are so passionate about the future of our planet.”

The ScottishPower Foundation is nurturing community spirit across Powys and Wrexham through Arts Connection - Cyswllt Celf’s ‘Rooted in Place’ project. This funding will help transform the local landscape into a shared canvas, bringing people together to explore their creativity and the environment.

Siân Walters, Arts Manager at Arts Connection - Cyswllt Celf, said: "With support from the ScottishPower Foundation, Rooted in Place, will give young people, schools, and local communities the chance to take part in creative, hands-on activities designed to raise environmental awareness.

People of all ages will be able to connect with nature, learn practical and creative skills and work together to create gardens, artworks, and projects that leave a lasting, positive impact on local green spaces and public art for everyone to enjoy. We’re thrilled to be part of this initiative, to work with the Foundation, and to meet and explore collaborations with the other grant holders supporting fantastic projects looking to make a difference across the country."

Since 2013, the ScottishPower Foundation has donated over £16 million to charitable initiatives throughout the UK, including 270 grants. This year’s funding continues 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: “Right now, the work these charities are doing has never mattered more. We’re proud to stand alongside organisations on the frontline of real change and support them as they get their projects off the ground.

This year’s funding backs a bold and brilliant mix of projects that are helping to build stronger, greener and more inclusive communities. The energy and commitment behind these charities is incredible and we can’t wait to see the difference this funding will make.”