Recent grant awards
See how BMF grants are helping young people and communities thrive through sport.
Spotlight on Leith Rugby
When Leith Rugby launched its youth programme in 2015, just six children turned up. Today, nearly 2,500 young people are involved in a thriving rugby development programme across the Leith community, supported by The Bill McLaren Foundation for almost eight years.
With The Foundation’s support, Leith Rugby has expanded opportunities for local children, strengthened coaching provision and grown participation in an area where football has traditionally dominated. One of the programme's biggest successes has been the growth of girls' rugby, with more young players progressing into competitive rugby than ever before.
Leith Rugby is a powerful example of what can happen when communities are given the opportunity to thrive.
Impact at a glance:
Nearly 2,500 young people reached
Rugby delivered in 10 local primary schools
Around 2,500 coaching hours delivered each year
Significant growth in girls' rugby participation
New pathways into volunteering and refereeing
“As well as providing health and wellbeing benefits for the youth of Leith, [BMF’s] support has allowed us to successfully install the positive ethics and behaviours of rugby to these children. Supportive feedback from parents and schools verify these benefits.”
SRU - Bill’s Bursaries
TALENT DEVELOPMENT
In partnership with Scottish Rugby, The Bill McLaren Foundation launched its first bursary scheme, helping talented young players dedicate more time to their rugby development during the 2025/26 season.
Impact at a glance:
£30,000 awarded in bursary funding
10 young players supported
5 female and 5 male recipients
Supporting the next generation of Scottish rugby talent
“Hopefully this bursary will help these young rugby players realise their potential.” - Alan Lawson, BMF Managing Director
Abbie Potts
INDIVIDUAL ATHLETE SUPPORT
A BMF grant helped Abbie purchase a specialist rugby wheelchair, giving her the equipment needed to train, compete and perform at her best. Abbie's story highlights how targeted support can remove barriers, unlock potential and create opportunities for athletes to thrive.
Impact at a glance:
Specialist rugby wheelchair funded
Progressed to premiership-level wheelchair rugby
Competing with North East Barbarians
Removing barriers to participate fully
"Being able to access a properly fitted rugby chair has completely changed how I train and compete." - Abbie Potts
Inclusive Surfing Scotland
ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION
Inclusive Surfing Scotland is making our coastline accessible to people with disabilities, creating opportunities to build confidence, independence and wellbeing through the life-changing benefits that sport can provide.
Impact at a glance:
7 surfers completed a five-week programme
16 people experienced surfing for the first time
2 free taster sessions delivered
Partnership established with Fairway Fife
"The support of The Foundation has been absolutely instrumental in the growth of Inclusive Surfing Scotland." - Iain Donaldson, Founder & CEO
Borders Clan
COMMUNITY & ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEEDS
The Borders Clan is a mixed-ability rugby team creating opportunities for players with physical and learning disabilities to experience the camaraderie, confidence and sense of belonging that sport can provide.
Impact at a glance:
First international team tour successfully delivered
Players supported to travel to Cork together
Financial barriers to participation reduced
New opportunities for confidence and personal development
"The Bill McLaren Foundation provides the fuel to help us get our players to places and achieve things that most would not believe would be possible." - Neil Clark, Coach & Volunteer Enabler
Thinking of applying for a BMF grant?
Each of these projects started with a simple application to the Bill McLaren Foundation.