Nearly £800,000 has been awarded across Scotland through the Recovery and Resilience Programme, a £5 million initiative delivered by Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS) and funded by Foundation Scotland. The programme aims to strengthen the long-term resilience of development trusts by helping them move beyond day-to-day operational challenges and build stronger organisational foundations for sustainable community impact.
Unlike traditional funding schemes that focus on specific projects or services, this programme invests directly in the internal capacity of organisations. It supports development trusts in improving governance, leadership, planning, and strategic development so they can better respond to future challenges and continue delivering benefits to their communities over the long term.
One of the beneficiaries, Wester Loch Ewe Trust in Ross-shire, used its grant to appoint a Development Manager to support strategic planning and organisational growth. The role is helping the volunteer-led trust better utilise existing facilities and secure additional funding, enabling more structured long-term development for the community it serves.
Community leaders involved in the programme have highlighted the importance of such support at a time when rising costs and increasing demand are putting pressure on local organisations. DTAS representatives emphasised that the initiative is designed not just to fund activity, but to help organisations strengthen their foundations so they can deliver more effectively in the future.
Foundation Scotland, which provided the £5 million funding, described development trusts as essential pillars of community infrastructure, supporting social, economic, cultural, and environmental wellbeing. The organisation noted that the programme represents its largest single investment to date and reflects a commitment to building long-term resilience in communities across Scotland.
The Recovery and Resilience Programme is now open to DTAS member organisations, with funding available until December 2027, aiming to ensure that development trusts are better equipped to adapt, grow, and continue supporting local communities sustainably.
