Scottish Grantmakers Annual Conference 2026
Your Invitation to the Scottish Grantmakers Annual Conference 2026
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Making Impact Possible
〰️ Making Impact Possible
From understanding impact to enabling it: exploring what counts as impact and how funders can help create the conditions for change.
Venue: The Barracks, Stirling
Date: Thursday 17th September
Time: 09:30 – 16:30
Rates including lunch served at the Barracks:
Member - Individual (x1): £50
Member - Duo (x2): £75
Member - Trio (x3): £80
Member - Team (x4): £100
Non-Member - Standard Rate: £125
INVITATION
Our Annual Conference has become a highlight of the Scottish funding calendar because it is shaped by the people at the heart of the sector. Designed by Scottish Grantmakers, for grantmakers and everyone with an interest in funding, it provides a space to connect, learn and reflect together.
This year, our theme is IMPACT.
At a time of growing need and increasing complexity, understanding impact has never been more important - or more challenging. The pathways from lived experience and community action to organisational learning, policy influence and systems change are rarely straightforward. This conference will explore how those pathways work in practice, and what funders can do to support them.
Throughout the day, we will explore two connected questions:
How do we understand impact?
How can funders best enable it?
In the morning, we will explore whose knowledge counts in understanding impact, and how different forms of evidence help us recognise and understand change. We will examine the relationship between lived experience, community knowledge, evidence, learning, policy influence and systems change. Together, we'll consider what counts as impact, who gets to define it, and whether traditional approaches to measurement capture the changes that matter most.
In the afternoon, we turn to funders themselves. Beyond funding, what role do data, relationships, influence, accountability and organisational practice play in creating the conditions for impact? We will explore the behaviours, decisions and approaches that help organisations thrive, and how funders can strengthen their own contribution to lasting change.
The conference will offer:
· fresh perspectives on how impact is understood, evidenced and achieved;
· practical ideas for how funders can create better conditions for organisations and communities to succeed;
· opportunities to learn from speakers and peers across grantmaking, policy, research and the third sector; and
· space for reflections on what your organisation might start, stop or do differently.
Grantmakers differ in size, focus, and approach, but we share a commitment to using our resources well and supporting positive change. With that in mind, we are delighted to invite you to the Scottish Grantmakers Annual Conference 2026 and look forward to welcoming you for a day of discussion, learning and shared reflection.
PROGRAMME
Our programme will bring together leading voices from philanthropy, public policy and research, and frontline service delivery, creating space for reflection and challenging discussions about collective impact. Confirmed speakers and contributors include:
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Carol Mack OBE, Chief Executive of the Association of Charitable Foundations, is a leading voice in UK philanthropy and has spent more than two decades supporting trusts and foundations to maximise their impact and effectiveness.
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Professor Kezia Dugdale, Associate Director of the Centre for Public Policy at the University of Glasgow, brings extensive experience from public life, having served as an MSP, Leader of Scottish Labour and Director of the John Smith Centre.
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Dr Emma Davidson and Dr Autumn Roesch-Marsh, Co-Directors of The Binks Hub at the University of Edinburgh, where they work with communities, artists and researchers to drive social change through creative, participatory research.
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SallyAnn Kelly OBE brings over 35 years of experience in social work, leadership and child protection across Scotland's public and voluntary sectors, including 11 years as Chief Executive of Aberlour Children's Charity.
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Katherine Duerdon, Head of 360Giving at UK Grantmaking, Katherine Duerden leads 360Giving’s support and services for grantmakers and civil society organisations, drawing on her prior experience from the Association of Charitable Foundations and Cancer Research.
With thanks to our sponsors LGT Wealth Management LLP
Our conference sponsors will provide an update on the global economic factors impacting grantmaking and philanthropic sectors.
Details of our surprise speaker will be announced closer to the time!
TICKET INFORMATION
You can book tickets using the link above. The ticket pricing remains the same as last year and includes lunch served at The Barracks:
Member - Individual (x1): £50
Member - Duo (x2): £75
Member - Trio (x3): £80
Member - Team (x4): £100
Non-Member - Standard Rate: £125
You can also book tickets by contacting Cady Shearsmith on scottishgrantmakers@wssociety.co.uk.
An invoice will be issued after receipt of your booking.