Findhorn Foundation to become a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation as part of renewal
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THE Findhorn Foundation has confirmed it is “in transition” as part of a drive to ensure its future.
Following the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic and the burning down of central buildings the Sanctuary and Community Centre in The Park near Findhorn last year, the Foundation, which registered as a charitable trust in 1972, is “refreshing” the charity.
Throughout the Foundations 50 years, it has inspired and transformed lives, however, impacts of the lockdowns and restrictions, climate change, economic uncertainty and post-Brexit conditions mean it requires significant changes.
One step being taken is switching over from a trust to a more modern, legal entity, a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
However, the new SCIO will retain the Foundation’s objectives, mission, vision and purpose.
The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator has accepted the Foundation’s application and has begun the process of moving all operations and assets over from the trust to the charity, hoping to complete this by the Spring.
A Foundation spokesperson said: “We have strengthened our resolve to find new ways forward.
“In the last year and a half, we have: completed Silvertrees affordable housing units (through subsidiary New Findhorn Directions); refreshed our brand and vision; audited our operations, refreshed our workshop, courses and retreat; further developed local partnerships to support local people’s employability and mental wellbeing; reopened our workshop and retreat centres at for in-person retreats and workshops; and welcomed almost 4000 online guests in this year.”
The spokesperson added that the Foundation has improved its governance and operations, and rebuilt teams via a recruitment drive as well as a professional fundraising programme.
Findhorn College at Cluny Hill is no longer a separate legal entity, having been consolidated into the Foundation.
The facility was established in 2010, providing certified courses in permaculture, sustainability, design, facilitation, wellbeing and language.
Following Covid dormancy, several former-college courses were able to go ahead and run this year.
The Foundation’s experimental learning and demonstration centre has been attracting people since 1962.
A more formal programme of learning was established and in 1972 the community was formally registered as the Findhorn Foundation.
