Funders and Supporters
Trusts, Foundations, Philanthropists, Fundraisers, Friends, Donors, Cafe Customers...
Our community is empowering young people to build skills, confidence and a way forward
Pouring support into brighter futures — today and for the long term…
Every act of support, from individual donations and friendships to long-term philanthropic partnerships, grants and statutory funding, strengthens the foundations of our organisation—allowing The Usual Place to grow, innovate and sustain our work with young people with additional support needs, and to focus where it matters most: on each young person.
From the change left after a cup of coffee to transformative grants and long-term partnerships, every contribution helps make this work (and the opportunities it creates) possible — giving us the flexibility to respond to individual strengths, needs and ambitions, and to direct more of our time, expertise and energy where it has the greatest impact.
Everyone has something to offer, and every contribution is valued with dignity and respect.
What Your Support Makes Possible
Together, our community of funders, supporters and customers is building the stability and momentum needed to deliver high-quality café and hospitality training, alongside the mentorship and encouragement that enable young people with additional support needs to grow in confidence, resilience and ambition.
This collective investment enables us to support each young person to develop not only practical skills, but also independence, a sense of belonging, resilience and the tools for active citizenship—opening pathways to employment and brighter, more independent futures.
It makes it possible for young people who might otherwise be overlooked or underestimated to build a life, not just access a service, while sustaining and growing our work for generations to come.
Ready to Transform Lives?
Young people with additional support needs often encounter “cliff‑edge” moments — times when support suddenly falls away and they are expected to navigate the world alone. These moments can be destabilising, isolating, and deeply discouraging.
The Usual Place works mainly with young people aged 14–26, especially at key transition points.
If you want to support our work there are many ways to do this including visiting our cafe as a customer or through fundraising, donating, becoming a friend and philanthropic giving.
Some of Our Funders
The Holywood Trust
National Lottery Scotland Community Fund
Forbes Charitable Foundation
Murdoch Forrest Charitable Trust
South of Scotland Enterprise
Dumfries & Galloway Council
Centre for Social Justice Foundation
The Scottish Government
Inspiring Scotland
Garfield Weston Foundation
Foundation Scotland
ANCBC Annandale & Nithsdale Community Benefit Company
Agnes Hunter Trust
Gannochy Trust
The Henry Smith Charity
Cayzer Trust Company Ltd
The Robertson Trust
John Primrose Trust
The Binks Trust
Glasgow Centre for Population Health
The AD Charitable Trust
Bairdwatson Charitable Trust
Youth and Philanthropy Initiative Scotland (Castle Douglas High School)
The Wood Foundation
Bailey Thomas
The Hugh Fraser Foundation
The Percy Bilton Charity
TKMaxx & Homesense Foundation
Western Recreation Trust
Stafford Trust
The Plum Trust
Hedley Foundation
Some of Our Community Fundraisers and Donors:…
The Globe Inn, Dumfries
Friends of The Usual Place
The Unusual Club (Thanks to Peter, Sarah and Rory Landale)
Dumfries Lions Club
Dumfries Hockey Club
Thornhill & District Rotary Club
St Ninian’s Church, Castle Douglas
The Balliol Singers
WHEAT
Dumfries Christian Network
Friends of HMP Dumfries
St Michael’s Church, Dumfries
Loch Arthur Camphill Community: Walked 500 miles for The Usual Place in March/April 2025
Kate Barr: Climbed Mount Fuji for The Usual Place in June 2025
Alison Boyes: Completed the Dundee Kiltwalk for The Usual Place in August 2025
Ian Gordon: Skydived for The Usual Place in August 2025
Thanks to all our Funders and Supporters
The Trustees of The Usual Place are overwhelmed by the public support received over the years (particularly in 2025) and for all the messages and personal donations from cafe customers, community groups and supporters which have been received to successfully support the continuation of our work.
Thanks to the strength and generosity of our supporters, The Usual Place has come through challenging times with greater stability and renewed confidence in our future. Together, we’ve built something resilient—but to continue creating opportunities and committing to the long-term journeys of young people with additional support needs, we need to ensure our cup remains full. With ongoing support, we can keep growing our impact, reaching more young people, and strengthening the wider community we are all part of.
The Usual Place is also extremely grateful for the partnership with Inspiring Scotland
Become a Supporter
If you would like to talk to someone about supporting our work in any way, we would be delighted to discuss your ideas with you or to answer your questions.
Please do get in touch!
