On 20 November 2008 Inspiring Scotland launched its 14:19 Fund portfolio with an event at the Signet Library in Edinburgh for successful ventures and investors. Champagne and canapés were served as a range of investors and supporters took the opportunity to meet the people delivering the social benefits they are investing in.
The event was attended by representatives from all 24 of the portfolio ventures along with investors, supporters and staff from Inspiring Scotland. In a keynote speech, Inspiring Scotland Chief Executive Andrew Muirhead outlined the vision for the 14:19 Fund and paid tribute to the good work already being done by so many charities across Scotland.
Susan Aktemel of Impact Arts Projects, one of the portfolio ventures, spoke of the unique opportunity provided by the long term investment from Inspiring Scotland. There was a real sense of optimism and potential within the room as ventures celebrated their success after the rigorous proposal process they had all been a part of.
Inspiring Scotland plans to host an annual dinner for investors where they will be able to hear more about how their investment is making a difference to Scotland's 14-19 year olds who are at risk of not being in education, employment or training.