The Wood Foundation / YPI Scotland The Wood Foundation YPI Scotland

Why this award?

The Wood Foundation (TWF) launched the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) in Scotland in 2008. The programme started with a pilot programme of 10 schools in the north-east and now YPI is active in more than 290 secondary schools across every local authority in Scotland. YPI is the largest independent initiative being delivered in education. TWF is a Scottish-based charity, headquartered in Aberdeen, with a global outlook investing in economic, community and enterprise activities.

YPI is a skills-based active citizenship programme that raises awareness in young people about philanthropy and their local community. Each participating school, each year is responsible for directing a £3000 YPI grant to a local charity.

Since YPI launched in 2008, more than 350,000 young people have been responsible for granting £7.6 million to grassroots charities across Scotland. TWF have a regional team of 7 YPI Programme Officers that lead the delivery and support every school that participates in the programme across Scotland.

Why this award?

The Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) is an active citizenship programme which empowers #generationchange to make a difference in their local communities while developing a range of skills. It aims:

• To engage a full year group of participating students (S1-S6) through a curricular-based programme.
• To develop the next generation of responsible citizens and effective contributors.
• To develop the skills and confidence of young people through a real-life, hands-on experience of philanthropy.
• To raise awareness of social service issues and the work of local charities, and channel funds to them effectively.

The Wood Foundation/ YPI is an Awards Network Strategic Partner 

The Wood Foundation Partnerships Manager Lucia Giuntoli said, “The goal of YPI is to raise awareness of social issues, empower young people to be active and responsible citizens, connect with communities and realise their potential as change-makers. YPI engages a full year group of students, developing skills and confidence through a contextualised learning experience. Young people can drive change by volunteering and using their voice beyond the programme. YPI’s focus on the development of young people, and the values therein, are very much shared with the Awards Network.”

Who is it for?

​Pulils in S2-S6 in participating schools thorughout Scotland.

What time commitment is required?

YPI is delivered within the curriculum over an 12-14 week period across a full academic year group.

Is the award externally accredited?

​Participants can secure a certificate of achievement through their school. The programme does not itself deliver a youth award, but the activities that young people will engage in aligns with a number of awards and accreditation.