Accountancy and advisory firm MHA has donated £3,500 to help improve the financial literacy of young people in Aberdeen.
This is the second donation to be announced in Scotland from the MHA 1892 Foundation, a new charitable initiative designed to address the financial literacy gap among young people across the UK.
The latest award has been made to CFINE (Community Food Initiatives North East), an Aberdeen-based social enterprise tackling food poverty and financial hardship across the region.
The grant will support an employability initiative for 24 people aged 16 to 25. Delivered in four 12-week blocks at CFINE, the programme offers one-to-one support to build confidence, vocational skills and job readiness, alongside digital skills, online safety and financial awareness. The funding will cover accredited training and delivery staff costs.
Alan Stewart, Partner at MHA, Aberdeen
The MHA 1892 Foundation was launched by MHA as a pilot in North West England in 2023 and, following its success, was rolled out nationally in late 2025. Its purpose is to deliver accessible, engaging financial education to young people in the communities where MHA offices operate, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to take control of their financial futures. A previous grant for finance and budgeting workshops was made to Edinburgh-based Grassmarket Community Project.
Graeme Robbie, CFINE’s Depute Chief Executive, said: “CFINE is delighted to be awarded funding from the MHA 1892 Foundation. This grant will enable us to support young people in Aberdeen who are furthest from work. Through a series of employability programmes, we will provide one-to-one support, financial education and opportunities to build confidence and develop practical skills.”
Alan Stewart, Partner at MHA, Aberdeen, said: “This initiative continues to reflect our focus on addressing gaps in financial literacy through community-led support. Equipping young people with financial knowledge is vital to shaping a brighter future. The MHA 1892 Foundation looks forward to supporting initiatives that help build the knowledge and confidence needed to manage finances as they move into adulthood, particularly where access to financial education may be limited.”
Funds for the MHA 1892 Foundation are generated through charitable initiatives led by MHA staff, with match funding provided by the firm’s partners.
A social enterprise, CFINE operates food banks, community food pantries and a mobile pantry service, alongside a commercial fruit and vegetable business and produce box deliveries that improve access to affordable, healthy food.
Graeme Robbie, CFINE’s Depute Chief Executive
CFINE also redistributes surplus food to over 100 frontline charities and community groups across North East Scotland, including Aberdeen, Moray and the Highlands.
Income generated through its trading activity is reinvested into frontline community support. Through its SAFE (Support, Advice, Finance and Education) team, CFINE provides benefits and budgeting advice, assistance with crisis grants and welfare applications, and practical help to increase household income. Combined with employability support and wellbeing initiatives, the organisation delivers both immediate assistance and longer-term support to strengthen stability and independence among low-income and vulnerable individuals and families.
MHA is the UK member firm of Baker Tilly International and is an AIM-listed company, ranking as the 11th largest accountancy group in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. In addition to its Aberdeen office on Carden Place, the firm has a presence in Edinburgh.