Dundee
Investing in community development through leadership and enterprise.
Drawing on insights from our work in Hull, we recognised that funding multiple projects, supporting exceptional leaders, and immersing ourselves in a community generates a 'ripple effect’, amplifying the impact of our investment beyond the financial contribution.
Before investing in the city, we visited Dundee on an extensive period of reconnaissance to better understand local communities’ needs and how we might help.
Dundee was awarded UNESCO City of Design status in 2015. In that same year, we launched an integrated, community development initiative, funding 21 projects over three years, with an initial investment of £2m. A second phase continued funding for 15 of the projects for two more years.
The provision of long-term funding for organisations that were often able to plan because of short-term funding cycles was transformational. The Community Development programme encouraged enterprise through programmes such as Launch It and collaboration among local leaders, while caring for deprived communities within Dundee.
Dundee is recognised both nationally and internationally as a city of regeneration and The Rank Foundation Community Development programme is recognised as a core element of Dundee’s overall regeneration.
Rank Network Dundee’s Impact
The Network
To find out more about Rank’s work in Dundee, contact David Dorward
I became Rank Associate for Dundee in the Spring of 2015, after retiring as the Chief Executive of Dundee City Council in November 2014. During my final five years as Chief Executive, I chaired the Dundee Partnership, which was the collaborative forum within the City consisting of the City Council, NHS Tayside, Police, Fire, Universities, Colleges, Chamber of Commerce, and the third sector. The knowledge and connections I gained provided me with the opportunity to support and coordinate the Rank Foundation’s place-based investment in the Dundee Community Development programme.
In my spare time, I am a Director of Dundee United Football Club and Chairman of the Club’s associated charity.
