Fifteen charities across England, Scotland and Wales will share more than £1.2m from the ScottishPower Foundation to deliver community projects spanning climate action, digital inclusion, education, the arts and social impact.

The 2026 funding package will power programmes tackling climate education, digital exclusion and mental health and wellbeing through arts-based initiatives, at a time when many charities are under intense pressure.

Grants will be used to expand vital services, reach new audiences and drive measurable change in the communities that need it most.

In London, BlindAid — the capital's oldest sight loss charity — will introduce a new initiative pairing bespoke digital-skills training with a weekly social lunch club for blind and partially sighted adults. Richie Walden, Director of Operations and Acting Chief Executive Officer at BlindAid, said: "Funding from the ScottishPower Foundation will enable BlindAid to transform the lives of isolated blind and partially sighted people in London. Many face significant digital exclusion due to the cost of assistive technology and a lack of tailored training. This grant allows us to deliver high-quality, person-centred screen reader courses, led by our blind digital skills tutor who brings invaluable lived experience.

Through this programme, participants gain the skills to access essential online services, build confidence in navigating the digital world, and expand their social networks both in-person and online. With the ScottishPower Foundation's support, we can directly reduce digital exclusion and help people build the independence, confidence, and social connections they deserve."

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In Scotland, support will help Dundee Heritage Trust advance a major transformation of Discovery Point, home of the Royal Research Ship Discovery, strengthening its role as a community hub that connects visitors with a changing climate and Dundee's maritime heritage. Sophie Walker, Development Officer at Dundee Heritage Trust, said: "We are utterly delighted with the grant from the ScottishPower Foundation towards the next stage of our transformation project at the home of the Royal Research Ship Discovery in Dundee.

This is really a once-in-a-generation unique opportunity for our visitors, and for Dundee, to be able to explore this much bigger story of Discovery, not least for the many thousands of school children who visit the museum each year, and who are so passionate about the future of our planet."

In Wales, the Foundation is backing Arts Connection - Cyswllt Celf's 'Rooted in Place' across Powys and Wrexham, turning local spaces into shared creative canvases that bring people together to explore their environment. Siân Walters, Arts Manager at Arts Connection - Cyswllt Celf, said: "With support from the ScottishPower Foundation, Rooted in Place, will give young people, schools, and local communities the chance to take part in creative, hands-on activities designed to raise environmental awareness.

People of all ages will be able to connect with nature, learn practical and creative skills and work together to create gardens, artworks, and projects that leave a lasting, positive impact on local green spaces and public art for everyone to enjoy. We're thrilled to be part of this initiative, to work with the Foundation, and to meet and explore collaborations with the other grant holders supporting fantastic projects looking to make a difference across the country."

Since 2013, the ScottishPower Foundation has awarded over £16m to charitable initiatives across the UK, including 270 grants. This year's support continues to bolster projects focused on education and training, climate action, the arts and social initiatives with clear community impact.

Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: "Right now, the work these charities are doing has never mattered more. We're proud to stand alongside organisations on the frontline of real change and support them as they get their projects off the ground.

"This year's funding backs a bold and brilliant mix of projects that are helping to build stronger, greener and more inclusive communities. The energy and commitment behind these charities is incredible and we can't wait to see the difference this funding will make."

The Foundation said the latest round of grants will help build resilience and inclusion while inspiring climate-conscious action and creativity in communities nationwide.