Purpose
Mathew Trust assists with the financial barriers that otherwise prevent unemployed or re-skilling adults, in Tayside (i.e. Dundee, Angus, Fife and Perth & Kinross), from accessing the skills, qualifications and opportunities needed to secure stable employment.
Mission
We do this by
Helping fund organisations who provide training schemes, projects or help getting people into employment in Tayside
We support trusted local organisations that understand the employment barriers faced by the communities they serve.
Funding Education and Vocational Training in Tayside
We provide financial support to organisations delivering adult education or training with a vocational element to build industry-relevant skills. By funding programmes and projects, we help adults gain the qualifications and confidence needed to move towards sustainable employment.
Supporting Pathways into Employment in Tayside
We provide assistance which helps organisations move adults from training into work. This can include recruitment support, employability mentoring, or financial aid that helps individuals to access interviews, placements or entry-level roles.
History Timeline
The Great Depression and Dundee
During the economic hardships of the Great Depression, Dundee and surrounding communities saw high unemployment and few opportunities for adult education and skills training. It was in this climate that a local letterpress printer, James P Mathew, inspired by the need to support adults facing unemployment and limited opportunities, began informal efforts to help people gain training, work opportunities, and support to improve their lives.
Formal establishment
James Mathew sets up the Dundee & District Land Settlement Trust with an initial donation of £58,000 (around £6m in today’s terms). 188 acres of land were purchased in Dryburgh, to provide smallholdings (approx. 3 acres per holding) for unemployed families to work their land.
Early days
After the initial enthusiasm and high take up of smallholdings, the Second World War and changes in society in the 1940s and 1950s meant a dwindling interest in working small areas of land. In the 1960s, the Trust’s name was changed to The Mathew Trust, and its purposes modernised to broadly reflect its present aims.
Support over the last 60+ years
After the Trust purposes were modernised, the Trust began supporting local organisations throughout Tayside. Areas such as cancer research, biological research and the computer gaming industry have benefitted, as well as a host of other local organisations. Two further examples are:
Gardyne Theatre redevelopment
Mathew Trust provided a £50,000 donation toward the redevelopment of the Gardyne Theatre at Dundee College. This investment helped enhance arts and performing spaces that support student learning and community engagement.
The Circle Academy
Mathew Trust provided funding to enable individuals to join The Circle Academy, a training programme for individuals looking to create positive social or environmental change in a sustainable and financially viable way. The programme is focused on developing skills and knowledge in mindset, business planning, legal structures, governance, finance, marketing, sales and selling, teams and culture, social impact, funding and pitching.
Meet the trustees
The Trust is administered under the supervision of the Trustees who meet every two months on a voluntary basis. The Trustees agree the broad strategy and areas of activity for the Trust.
