Enterprising third sector organisations have won £2.1m funding to help handle the fallout from welfare cuts

Groups delivering services to vulnerable people are to receive £2.1m in funding from the Scottish Government.

The cash will be spread between 28 organisations and awarded through the Enterprise Ready Fund.

The fund, managed through Foundation Scotland, gives priority to applications that mitigate the effects of welfare reform.

We have been impressed with the wide range and quality of applications we have received so far - Giles Ruck

John Swinney, secretary for finance, announced the extra funding during a visit to My Adventure Edinburgh, one of the projects to receive cash through the fund.

“Each and every one of the recipients are working in their own unique way to become more self-sufficient but more importantly for me, they are creating change at a local level,” he said.

“These organisations are excellent examples of how the sector is helping to create a fairer and more inclusive Scotland. This investment will help them deliver important services and opportunities to people across the country.”

The grants are on top of £4.4 million already awarded to 95 organisations since the fund was launched in September 2013.

In total £6m worth of grants of upto £250,000 are available between 2013 and 2015 to support new, developing, and established organisations to become more efficient and self-sustaining, or diversify into new markets.

Foundation Scotland’s chief executive Giles Ruck said: “We have been impressed with the wide range and quality of applications we have received so far, which showcase the innovative ways organisations plan to use their awards to make a real difference to the people and communities they serve.

“I would like to encourage new or developing third sector organisations who are considering applying to the Enterprise Ready Fund to do so before the final closing date of 16 June.”