The achievement was announced at the Society’s Annual General Meeting, held at The Hoxton hotel in Edinburgh on Wednesday 27 May.

Created in partnership with Foundation Scotland and launched in 2023 to mark the Society’s 175th anniversary, the foundation initially committed £175,000 to support organisations making a meaningful difference in communities across Scotland through grants of up to £5,000.

To date, the partnership has supported 54 charities across Scotland, with the foundation surpassing its £175,000 target this month after awarding more than £26,000 in its latest round of funding - bringing total donations to £182,000.

Among those to receive grants were 32nd Greenock and District Scout Group in Inverclyde to purchase safety equipment to allow the safe undertaking of water-based activities.

Essential equipment and materials will be purchased by 4th Alloway Guides in South Ayrshire as a result of the donation to establish a fully resourced new Guide unit, while Ayrshire Communities Education and Sport deliver a year-round programme offering educational workshops and out-of-school activities to improve wellbeing and reduce isolation.

In Dumfries and Galloway, Building Futures Galloway will use the funding to contribute to the cost of an introductory boatbuilding course for vulnerable young people, and Coastwatch West in Fife will purchase modern equipment, safety gear, and training materials to enhance coastal safety.

Also in Fife, Auchtermuchty Defibrillator Project will replace a non-functional defibrillator with a dual-use model for adults and children, while Cook and Connect in Perth and Kinross will deliver cooking sessions aimed at promoting healthier eating and improving life skills.

The foundation’s funding will also be used to subsidise riding and education activities at Highland Group Riding for the Disabled Association, and also support Edinburgh South Cricket Club to purchase a new artificial pitch.

Additionally, Impact Community Sports Hub in North Lanarkshire will use the foundation’s grant to contribute towards essential upgrades to Holytown community facility, and Sunshine Wishes Children’s Charity will purchase food items to stock a food bank at a nursery in Glasgow, as well as contribute to staffing and travel costs.

As well as unveiling the foundation’s funding milestone, the appointment of the Society’s new chair, Andrew Hastings, following Ian Wilson’s retirement in April this year, was announced during the AGM.

He said: “I’m honoured to step into the role of chair at such a significant moment for The Society. Our previous chair, Ian Wilson, was instrumental in the creation of the foundation, and it is a fitting legacy that we have now exceeded our target for grant funding.

“This milestone is a powerful reflection of the ambition we set from the outset, to support initiatives and causes that deliver meaningful, lasting impact in the communities they serve.

“Throughout this journey, we are hugely proud to have supported a diverse range of organisations that are making a genuine difference across the country from improving local facilities and creating new opportunities, to championing inclusion and promoting wellbeing.

“Scottish Building Society is entering an exciting new chapter as we continue to expand our digital services and bring new products to market in response to the evolving needs of our members. I am immensely proud to have been elected chair at such a pivotal and positive time for the Society.”