The Wee Bursary - growing our funding network and impact

The Wee Bursary was launched in October 2023, responding to the growing needs of children and young people across Glasgow facing hardship.

The Wee Bursary supports financially disadvantaged children and young people maintain or enter a positive destination – in education, employment, training or volunteering.  In its first year the Wee Bursary supported 360 children and young people with hardship funding, education and employment grants.  Thanks to a strong partner network across Glasgow including schools, funding requests are directed to our grant manager FARE Scotland with weekly turnarounds on decisions.  We also have referral pathways to ensure that with grant funding, children and young people continue to stay connected and supported beyond the Bursary.

Since its introduction, the Bursary has attracted more funders including Glasgow City Council, the Murgitroyd Foundation and local housing associations. In April 2025, Safe Deposits Scotland joined as a funder.

 Mike Smith, Head of SafeDeposits Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be supporting The Wee Bursary with a donation from our SafeDeposits Scotland Community Fund. We are aware of the positive impact the Bursary has had across Glasgow and look forward to seeing our contribution play a part in helping children and young people to overcome hardship.”

 Unsurprisingly, given the ongoing cost of living crisis and funding environment, demand is increasing for Bursary support. Thank you to all our partners (referral and funders) who make the Wee Bursary a real lifeline. The impact is obvious and we’re taking this model to other parts of the UK with the Brummie Bursary launching in September 2025 in Birmingham and plans from April 2026 for London and Edinburgh.