The Council set up the Community Grants Fund in 2007 to kickstart projects that benefit local communities. It is part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities and fostering grassroots initiatives.

There are 13 local funds, each covering a different area of the city. If you’re part of a community group with a project in mind, apply to your local Community Grant Fund today.

The total amount of funding available in your local fund depends on how many people live in your area. If there’s any money left over after this round, we’ll open another round of applications later this year.  Unlike previous years, grants will be awarded a maximum of 3 times a year.

We want to make sure that the projects we fund are the ones that matter most to you. That’s why our funding panels are made up of local community representatives, such as Ward Councillors, Community Councillors, and representatives of community organisations.

If you’re in Leith, keep an eye out for a chance to vote on your favourite projects in January 2025 – information will be available for Leith applicants in the autumn.

The Community Grants Fund has supported some fantastic projects in the past, such as ‘Place to Pause’ at The Eric Liddell Centre and the Broomhouse Street Party. Your project could be next!

For the best chance of securing a grant, apply by the deadline of May 20, 2024. We’ll review all applications in June and let you know if you’ve been successful.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said:

“Our communities are the lifeblood of our city and we’re committed to ensuring that they have the resources to bring their ideas to life.

“From the Pentlands to Portobello and beyond I’m really excited to see the projects that apply for funding during this round of applications.”