Our Journey as a Community Charity

Since becoming a registered charity in 2019, our mission has been to support individuals and families in our community and to create opportunities for connection, wellbeing, and growth. Becoming a charity enabled us to apply for grant funding, which has been essential in expanding our services and helping us reach those who need us most.

Supporting Our Community Through the Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, grant funding allowed us to provide vital support to financially vulnerable families. This included food, vouchers, heating assistance, and emotional support during an incredibly uncertain time.

Funding also enabled us to employ our Community Development Officer, Louise, who played a crucial role in helping people rebuild confidence and re-enter social life after long periods of isolation. Our groups, held at the Lossie Youth Café, helped participants manage their mental health, reduce loneliness, and reconnect with their community.

Holiday Clubs and Family Support

Over the years, Moray Council has generously supported our holiday clubs for families. These clubs offered parents respite, provided safe and engaging activities for children, and ensured that every child received a nutritious meal.

In 2025, our Lossie 2–3 Group independently funded the Holiday Club from their everyday resources—ensuring that families continued to receive this vital support.

Building Grant Expertise

Before the pandemic, Louise had never applied for a grant. Today, she is an expert whose work has secured funding for groups, sessions, equipment, furniture, utensils, and essential start-up costs for our Hub.

All grants awarded to us are ring-fenced for specific purposes, and every penny is used solely for its intended project.

Since 2019, we have received £485,895 in grant funding, and we remain deeply grateful for every organisation that has supported us.

How Fundraising Supports Our Buildings

Many people often ask, “Where does all the fundraising money go?” The answer lies in the essential work required to secure and develop our buildings.

For each of the three properties we have bid on, we have had to cover the cost of architects, planning applications, and building warrant fees

By the time we reached our bid for the Warehouse Theatre, we had already incurred £5,000 in professional fees. For this building alone, new planning costs, legal fees, and surveyor fees totalled £28,170. In addition, we faced £30,590 in rent and utility costs before opening our doors in August 2023.

These unavoidable costs made fundraising absolutely essential and remain a significant part of our ongoing development.

Phase 1 Build Costs and the Impact of Fundraising

The total build cost for Phase 1 reached £192,731, representing a major investment in creating a safe, inclusive, and vibrant community space. To meet these expenses, we relied heavily on fundraising efforts and the generosity of supporters across our community.

One of the most significant contributions came from our Charity Shop, which raised an incredible £21,835.71. This achievement highlights the dedication of Sandra and her wonderful team of volunteers, whose hard work continues to make a real difference.

Every penny raised through fundraising and donations goes directly back into supporting our day-to-day running costs. This ensures we can keep delivering vital services, maintain our facilities, and continue growing opportunities for the people of Moray.

Looking Ahead

Our story is still being written. With the continued dedication of our volunteers, staff, funders, and supporters, we remain committed to building spaces where people can connect, heal, learn, and thrive.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey so far—we truly couldn’t do it without you.

 

Phase 1 Funding

Moray Council Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Foundation The Gordon & Ena Baxter Foundation Adams Family Foundation The National Lottery Cares Scotland Co-op Hub