David Doig Foundation

The David Doig Foundation believes that ‘access to education should be available to everyone regardless of their circumstances, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their true potential.’  

We spoke with Fund Owner, Gillian McEwan, about her philanthropic journey so far, and her motivations for establishing a fund that champions young people in Scotland.

Set up as a legacy to her late husband, Gillian has taken great care to ensure this fund captures his belief in education, his desire to always help others less fortunate, his strong work ethic and his values of kindness and care.

How did your philanthropic journey begin?

It all started with the sudden and tragic loss of my husband, who died 8 years ago.  He was still young and taken too soon, had been bursting with zest, ideas and energy.  To have gone from that to zero was difficult for me to comprehend.  I felt strongly that I had to do something to keep his flame alive in some way.  This was where the idea for a Foundation in his honour came from.  He’d had a troubled journey in his teenage years and was a passionate believer that education made for a better quality of life.  I therefore believed that a Foundation focusing on education initiatives and encouraging young people to reach their maximum potential was the perfect dedication and memorial to him.  The aim was to help youngsters who had a difficult start in life through no fault of their own.

What motivates your philanthropic giving?

Setting up and running my Foundation gave me huge purpose and the knowledge that you’re making a difference to others less fortunate is uplifting.  Life is difficult and full of challenges!  So, by helping even one young person to get a hand up in life and improve their chances of having a productive and purposeful life feels like absolutely the right thing to do.  

How did you find out about Foundation Scotland? And what made you want to set up a fund with us?

I was researching the best way of setting up either a Foundation or Charity and was so glad I came across Foundation Scotland.  Their business model was perfect for what I was looking to achieve.  Their ability to fully manage my fund, plus their reach across so many bodies in Scotland, meant they could easily match my objectives with the needs of individuals and community groups needing financial help.  They are also so lovely and helpful to work with.

What have been your highlights so far?

I love reading in the annual beneficiary reports that I receive from Foundation Scotland about the positive difference that is made to a person’s self-esteem, their enthusiasm to continue their education journey, as well as the choices it gives them for the future.  On several occasions over the years, Foundation Scotland has also arranged for me to meet some of the beneficiaries and to observe the ongoing work that my fund has supported.  

What advice would you give to others looking to make a meaningful impact through philanthropy?

Don’t try to do this yourself, it is worth harnessing the services, expertise and reach of Foundation Scotland to help you in your philanthropic journey.

Read more about the David Doig Foundation here.