The Wood Foundation is a family foundation rooted in Aberdeen, working across Scotland and Africa to help people, communities and enterprises build something lasting.
The Wood Foundation was established in 2007 by Sir Ian Wood and his family, rooted in a belief that giving should be active, thoughtful and useful.
From the beginning, the Foundation has carried the character of Aberdeen: entrepreneurial, practical and committed to making things happen.
Today, The Wood Foundation works across Scotland and Africa, supporting people, communities and enterprises with the potential to build something lasting.
The work takes different forms in different places, but it is connected by a shared commitment to long-term change, strong partnerships and practical action.
Explore the key moments, milestones and people that have shaped The Wood Foundation’s journey since 2007.
The Wood Foundation brings more than financial support. Its work takes different forms across Scotland and Africa, but each area is shaped by practical involvement, long-term thinking and a belief in backing work that can keep growing.
The Wood Foundation’s education work is about helping young people see more possibility in themselves and the world around them.
Through initiatives such as YPI, Excelerate and RAiSE, the Foundation supports learning that connects young people to real issues, real opportunities and the confidence to take part.
Some of this happens through pupils speaking up for causes they care about. Some of this happens through schools changing how learning feels. Across it all is a belief that education should help young people feel ready for life beyond the classroom.
The Wood Foundation has a deep commitment to Aberdeen and the North-east.
That commitment can be seen in major regional initiatives designed to strengthen the area’s future, bringing people together around opportunity, diversification and long-term confidence.
Through The Wood Foundation Africa, the Foundation uses venture philanthropy to support enterprise and industry development.
The aim is to build commercially sustainable work that can improve livelihoods over time. Rather than short-term support, this is about helping businesses and sectors grow in ways that continue to create value.
The Wood Foundation has always been shaped by family a belief in using giving to help people build something lasting.
Sir Ian Wood remains closely connected to the Foundation as Founder and President, following 18 years as Chair. Today, Garreth Wood leads the Board as Chairman, bringing fresh energy to the Foundation’s future while continuing the values that have guided its work from the beginning.
Lady Helen Wood’s legacy is also central to the Foundation’s next chapter, with The Lady Helen Wood Fund carrying forward her generosity, warmth and belief in supporting people at different stages of life.
The Wood Foundation is led by a Board of Trustees and supported by teams working across Scotland and Africa.
Together, they bring experience across philanthropy, enterprise, education, development and community impact, helping guide the Foundation’s work with care, ambition and long-term commitment.
