Charities and social enterprises in Dundee will have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with fund managers and experts dedicated to supporting Scotland’s third sector at an event led by responsible finance provider Social Investment Scotland (SIS).

On Thursday 6th February, leaders from Tayside social enterprises and charities are invited to participate in discussions and networking at The Circle, Dundee. This event is part of SIS’s Funding Socials series, which aims to inspire social entrepreneurs with new ideas and valuable connections to build support networks and enhance income generation efforts.

Speakers include Shelley McCarthy and Richard McIntosh from the NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, and Lauren McArthur, engagement manager from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with the event being hosted by Jane Bruce from Brilliant Leaders, and Kieran Daly from SIS.

Yolanda Aguilar, executive director and Thomas Small, artistic director from Shaper/Caper – an award-winning diversity-led dance company and registered charity – will also share their personal experience of securing funding for the organisation and the work they do by offering accessible and inclusive dance and theatre opportunities for underrepresented and vulnerable groups in the community.

Kieran Daly (pictured above), head of market building at SIS, will be on hand throughout to answer any questions and explain the support avenues available to charities and social enterprises. He said: “We are only a month into the new year, so it is still a great time to be setting goals and outlining targets for the months ahead. For social enterprises and charities, the event will be a great opportunity for exploring new approaches and identifying ways to grow and create further impact.

Knowing how to seek out funding opportunities can be daunting and confusing, which is why we’re bringing together the right people and resources to inspire ideas and provide practical advice.”

He added: “Collaboration is an incredibly powerful tool, and by connecting organisations to support avenues and improving access to funding, we aim to empower them to deliver even greater benefits for the communities they serve.” 

Shelley McCarthy, charity chief officer of NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation said: “We are pleased to be presenting at the Funding Socials event on 6th February which aims to support those vital charities and enterprises in the area.

As a health funder, we are keen to support innovation in health and projects with a focus on prevention to help deliver our vision of helping the people of Tayside to live better and longer lives.”