Through long-term partnerships and strategic investment, we back work that aligns with our purpose and has the potential to make a lasting difference across Scotland
Alongside our programme-led work, The Wood Foundation supports people and organisations already creating meaningful change.
Sometimes that is where we can add the most value. Our role may be to help an idea move forward, give an established initiative greater stability or support work that has the potential to benefit Scotland over the long term.
This reflects our approach to philanthropy: backing purposeful work that can make a lasting difference.
The Wood Foundation looks for work with clear purpose and real potential.
Our role is not limited to providing funding. We take time to understand the ambition behind an initiative, the people it is designed to support and where our involvement could add value.
In many cases, that leads to long-term relationships with partners who share our commitment to young people and to Scotland’s future.
These are some of The Wood Foundation’s most significant partnerships and investments in Scotland.
Beyond its major partnerships, The Wood Foundation has supported a range of initiatives that reflect its wider approach to philanthropy.
Some connect directly to education and employability. Others respond to social issues where targeted support can help people access a better future.
Together, they show how the Foundation backs work with clear purpose, trusted delivery and the potential to make a lasting difference.
The Wood Foundation’s support for STV Children’s Appeal reflects a wider commitment to addressing disadvantage in Scotland.
By backing the Appeal, the Foundation has helped support charities working directly with children and families affected by poverty.
The Wood Foundation has supported My Name’5 Doddie Foundation in recognition of its clear purpose and national significance.
The investment reflects the Foundation’s willingness to back important causes where focused support can contribute to wider awareness, research and care.
The Wood Foundation’s support for Developing the Young Workforce reflects its long-standing interest in the relationship between education and employment.
This work connects closely to the Foundation’s belief that young people should understand the opportunities available to them and feel better prepared for life beyond school.
Our investment in the Global Learning Partnership (GLP) reflects The Wood Foundation’s commitment to high-quality professional learning for educators.
Since launching in 2012, GLP has supported more than 100 education practitioners to develop their understanding of global education and Learning for Sustainability. The programme is delivered over 18 months and includes immersive professional learning in Uganda and Rwanda, where participants work with local partners to support teacher development.
That experience gives Scottish educators first-hand insight they can bring back into their classrooms, helping young people engage with global issues in a more meaningful way.
The Lady Helen Parking Centre at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary was created in response to a very practical problem: the pressure on patients, visitors and staff trying to access the Foresterhill site.
Funded by The Wood Foundation, the free-to-use multi-storey car park opened in 2018 and added around 1,100 spaces, increasing parking capacity at Foresterhill by almost 50%.
The Sir Ian Wood Building at Robert Gordon University is part of The Wood Foundation’s long-standing investment in education, skills and the North-east’s future.
Located at RGU’s Garthdee campus, the building provides modern teaching and learning space for disciplines closely linked to the region’s economy and future workforce.
The investment reflects Sir Ian Wood’s connection to the University and the Foundation’s belief in supporting infrastructure that strengthens opportunity for generations to come.
The Wood Foundation Centre for Science and Technology at Robert Gordon’s College was created to strengthen science and technology education in Aberdeen.
The centre includes 34 laboratories and workshops and is described by RGC as the UK’s largest school teaching facility for science and technology.
The Wood Foundation supported Albyn School’s Science and Engineering Centre to improve facilities for science and engineering learning.
The investment helped create new laboratory facilities at a time when the school was looking to encourage more pupils into subjects linked to future skills and industry need.
The Wood Foundation’s partnerships and investments sit alongside the programmes we lead directly.
Together, they show the breadth of the Foundation’s work across Scotland: supporting ideas, places and organisations where thoughtful philanthropy can make a lasting difference.
If you would like to speak to The Wood Foundation about its partnerships or investments, please get in touch.
We welcome conversations about work that aligns with our purpose and has the potential to create lasting value.
