Community grants
Would your community project benefit from some funding? Do you have an idea that will change communities in and around Edinburgh for the better? Apply for funding through our grants scheme.
About the grants
The Edinburgh Local Community Grants scheme supports the development of projects, community activities and sustainable local action.
The aims of the Edinburgh Local Community Grants scheme are to:
- Increase engagement between the University and local communities.
- Have a positive social impact.
- Create learning opportunities (including informal and non-traditional forms of learning).
We welcome applications for projects or activities that will involve and benefit people living and/or working in the Edinburgh City Region. (The Region includes the City of Edinburgh, Fife, West Lothian, Midlothian, East Lothian and the Scottish Borders)
Applications are welcome from not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises.
The grants scheme is currently closed for applications and will open again in autumn 2018.
There are two deadlines each year, with the first one being in the autumn and the second in the spring. We may run additional rounds if we cannot allocate all the funds through these two rounds, so please register for our e-newsletter and/or follow our social media for updates.
Sign up to our newsletter for community grant updates
Other things to know
- We award grants of up to a maximum of £5,000 per project, but welcome applications for less
- Applicants may only receive one grant per project.
- We do not fund projects that have already been completed.
- Unsuccessful projects can be resubmitted to later rounds as long as you address any feedback you received on your unsuccessful application
Read about the projects previously funded by the Community Grants Scheme
Tips for success
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Clearly address the three aims of the scheme, which are to:
- Increase engagement between the University and local communities.
- Have a positive social impact.
- Create learning opportunities (including informal and nontraditional forms of learning).
- Demonstrate as clearly as possible how your project involves and/or benefits local communities living in the Edinburgh region.
- Please ensure that you read all the information available on the website, including information in the documents you can download from the website, and make sure your submission follows the guidance we have provided.
- We welcome ambitious and creative applications, but please make sure your application demonstrates feasibility – be realistic in what you can achieve.
- Include as much detail as possible about your costs and how they will allow you to deliver your project.
Download the application form and guidance notes
Before starting your application, please read the guidance notes in full and refer back to them while you write your application.
You need to complete and submit two application forms:
Please make sure you complete and submit both forms as we cannot accept your application otherwise.
Accessibility
If you require the application materials and guidance in another format, please email local@ed.ac.ukor call 0131 650 4063.
For current grant-holders
Please note: a template document for acknowledging the University’s support is coming soon.