Raising Partners are excited to share the successful fundraise of Entrepreneurial Scotland’s first community crowdfunding campaign.
As an independent charity, Entrepreneurial Scotland seeks to establish Scotland as the most entrepreneurial society in the world.
Setting out to raise £75,000 to deliver a twin boost to their vital work. It took just four weeks to reach almost double the target, with the #FundTheFuture campaign closing at £140,000.
The money raised will increase the scope of their “Saltire Scholar” internship programme which provides entrepreneurially-minded university students in their penultimate year of study an internship in Scotland or overseas – focusing on identifying those with potential and ambition, and giving them a platform to hone their skills for future employment.
Secondly, money raised will be used to create a Bursary Scheme – a first for Entrepreneurial Scotland – to help fund the organisations’ existing “Executive Leadership Programme”. This will have a particular emphasis on supporting access to “social entrepreneurs” whose vision and leadership benefits society.
Raising Partners Managing Director Helena Murphy, herself a Saltire Scholar and member of the Entrepreneurial Scotland community, directly attributes the success of her career to date to the support of the foundation.
Helena said: “I was thrilled when Entrepreneurial Scotland approached Raising Partners to support their inaugural fundraising campaign. The organisation holds an incredibly special place in my heart and the work they do is vital to the success of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It’s a privilege to be part of the Entrepreneurial Scotland family and community and I’m delighted to be able to support their continued growth and give back to the organisation that has given so much to me.”
Sara Cook, Director for Impact, said Entrepreneurial Scotland had been “overwhelmed” by the generosity and support in response to the crowdfunding appeal.
Sara said: “When we set out at the start of the campaign, we really didn’t know what was possible and we believed that a target of £75,000 was an ambitious goal. This whole process has just shown us the depth of support within our network, and the value of the work we do in terms of the people, businesses and communities who feel that positive impact.
“As a result of these donations, the Entrepreneurial Scotland team can continue to deliver and scale this impact. Ensuring greater numbers of participants in our learning programmes brings us closer to our mission of positioning Scotland as the most entrepreneurial society in the world.
“We are delighted to be able to tell all participants in our 2021/2022 programmes that they have belief and backing of others. This sense of pride and community that this will foster will prove vital.”
Donations ranged from just £10 to larger sums with, remarkably, over 70 per cent of donors being programme alumni who are now keen to help others. Contributions from overseas were also received.
One said: “The Foundation provided me with one of the most impactful experiences of my life. My internship gave me the confidence that drives me through my career to this day. Thank you for making it possible!”
A second contributor added: “This internship was the first time I saw myself as an entrepreneur, because the programme believed in me! It changed my life for the better, I hope it can continue to do so for others!”
A third who pledged money said: “Wishing continued success and hoping more people get to access the training and support of Entrepreneurial Scotland. It was completely transformative for my own career – I am forever grateful!”
Sandy Kennedy, Chief Executive of Entrepreneurial Scotland, added: “These hugely-supportive comments reflect the overwhelming goodwill of the entrepreneurial community we serve.
“We have been deeply humbled by such generosity and thank everyone who has contributed. So many people answered the call to help us carry on creating entrepreneurial leaders and we are profoundly grateful.”