Do you have an idea that will make a difference to your local community?
Apply now for a grant of up to £5000 to make your idea a reality.
The City of Edinburgh Council’s Community Grants Fund supports small-scale initiatives that benefit local communities. It is part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities and fostering grassroots initiatives.
The fund is split across 13 neighbourhood areas – local people in each area decide which projects to fund based on the needs and aspirations of their community. If you’re part of a community group with a project in mind, apply to the fund in your neighbourhood.
The next application deadline for most neighbourhoods is in August. The exact deadlines and amount of funding available in each neighbourhood varies.
Visit the webpage for your neighbourhood to find out more.
City Centre, Liberton/Gilmerton, and Portobello/Craigmillar neighbourhoods have no funding left for this year – the next application deadline for these neighbourhoods will be in spring 2025.
Applications for the Leith fund should be submitted to Leith Chooses between 16 August and 9 September this year. If you’re in Leith, keep an eye out for a chance to vote on your favourite projects in January 2025.
Some examples of the types of projects your community group could apply for include:
- New equipment for your group’s activities
- Starting up a new activity or community event
- Promoting your group or its activities
Have an idea for a project but not sure if it’s eligible for funding? You can find more information about the types of activities/projects that can be funded in this guidance document for applicants, or contact [email protected] for advice.
The Friends of Victoria Park used their grant from the Forth fund to create a mural to cover up graffiti on the old pumphouse. They involved a local artist and pupils from Trinity Academy to breathe new life into the unloved local building and brighten up the area.
Lucy Metcalfe, Chair of Friends of Victoria Park, said “The park has been greatly enhanced by the vibrant artwork that replaces the unsightly dirty and graffitied walls of the old pumphouse. The students from the local high school were able to spend a week working with a renowned artist, developing, painting and teamwork skills. The mural is a testament to the commitment of the school and its students to the park and the local community. The Friends are very proud of this achievement.”
