Gannochy Trust

The Gannochy Trust, established in 1937 by Scottish philanthropist A.K. Bell, is a major charitable funder anchored in Perth and Kinross with a mission to improve lives and support communities across Scotland. Guided by principles of collaboration, boldness, imagination, excellence, and sustainability, it advances Bell's vision through grant-making, affordable housing stewardship, and estates management, emphasizing enduring impact, recovery, renewal, and opportunity—especially for disadvantaged youth—via its 2022-2027 strategy and innovative Grants Plus programme offering strategic business support.

It prioritises Perth and Kinross initiatives enhancing quality of life (inclusion, independence, mental health, wellbeing, employment, volunteering, culture, sport, leisure), built/natural environments (buildings, parks, infrastructure), and children/young people aged 0-21. Across wider Scotland, funding targets developing/inspiring youth aged 11-21 facing barriers. Supported activities span project, core costs, capital grants (assets/buildings; core/capital limited to Perth & Kinross), multi-year awards, Youth Panel micro-grants (up to £10,000 for 11-26s), and Rural Action (£100-£750 for small groups), favouring evidence-based, collaborative, measurable outcomes in youth development, mental health, employment, community facilities, sports, housing, and environment.

Eligible applicants are OSCR-registered Scottish charities (plus select community groups for specialist funds like Youth Panel/Rural Action; no income limits, open to small/medium/large); no geographic base required but priorities Perth & Kinross-local or Scotland-wide youth work. Unsolicited online applications accepted quarterly (next deadline: 3rd October 2025; portals open two months prior; notifications 3-4 months post-meeting). Grants range from small (£10,000/year up to 3 years) to major (no upper limit); ~£5m annually, mostly local.

Distinctively place-based with youth empowerment focus, it excludes non-aligned work, demands outcomes-track record-local responsiveness, and uniquely blends funding with direct housing/community assets for lasting sustainability.