The Merchants House is delighted to announce the allocation of more than £130,000 in grant funding to support charitable initiatives and community organisations across Glasgow and the West of Scotland. This generous funding reinforces the House’s long-standing commitment to creating meaningful, positive change in the local community.

Lord Dean of Guild, Andrew McFarlane, stated, “At the Merchants House of Glasgow, our mission has always been to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in our city and beyond. These grants are an essential part of our ongoing efforts to assist local charities that are addressing vital needs and making a difference every day.”

The funds will go towards supporting a wide variety of causes, including healthcare, education, and social welfare. This reflects the Merchants House’s ongoing dedication to meeting the diverse needs of the people in Glasgow and the surrounding regions.

Barmulloch Community Development Company ‘Meet & Eat’ social

Barmulloch Community Development Company, who received a grant of £3,250 said “We know that our community is badly impacted by food insecurity. The support from Merchants House will mean that we can offer a weekly Meet & Eat social and improve access to a vital necessity for local people. We are also hoping that the project will help reduce social isolation in the community, something we know has a detrimental impact. This is only possible thanks to the generosity of the Merchants House – thank you!”

The Glasgow Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association said of their £3,000 grant: “Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting equine therapy sessions for disabled pupils of Govan High School. RDA Glasgow Group is about more than pony rides. Friendly RDA volunteers from different backgrounds come together with compassion so riders can achieve more than what many thought possible. Participants feel a huge sense of accomplishment on being presented with rosettes that recognise the new skills they have learned. Your kindness means over two hundred disabled participants gain confidence in themselves and learn the joy of connecting with horses. We know how much our riding at RDA Glasgow Group means to our riders and the great benefit to their wellbeing.”

Nil by Mouth received a £2,000 grant and said “Funding from The Merchants House provides the opportunity to bring the ‘Us and Them’ programme to Renfrewshire, to work with teenagers who have been identified as at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour around Scottish football. This support assists us in effectively challenging sectarian and prejudicial attitudes and means those participating will gain a much better understanding of cultures and beliefs different to their own. Because of your generosity and partnership we can make a real difference at what is a pivotal time in these young people’s lives while continuing to strive for meaningful change. Scotland can be better and bolder than bigotry!”

Nil by Mouth ‘Us and them’

The Lord Dean further emphasised the power of collective action: “As a community, we are stronger when we come together to support those in need. The Merchants House has a rich history of charitable giving, and this funding allows us to continue that tradition, making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.”

Find out more about the impact of our funding by checking out our Grants Stories.