Deadline: 31-Oct-2025
The Community Grants Scheme has been designed to create a meaningful and lasting social impact across the City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian, the Scottish Borders and Fife.
At its core, the program supports projects that contribute to global priorities by aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including reducing poverty, improving health and wellbeing, providing access to quality education, supporting decent work and economic growth, tackling inequality, and building sustainable and resilient communities.
This scheme encourages community organisations to work closely with the University to strengthen positive relationships while delivering projects that benefit local people. Grants of up to £5,000 are available, although applications for smaller amounts are also welcomed. Each project should be based in Edinburgh, Fife, the Lothians or the Borders, and funding will only be provided for initiatives yet to begin, with projects expected to start around four months after the application deadline.
While the scheme is inclusive, there are restrictions on eligibility. Standard for-profit organisations, individuals, and groups with an annual income exceeding £1 million are not eligible. Statutory bodies, such as schools, cannot apply directly, but organisations working alongside them, or community councils, are welcome to do so. Applicants must have an organisational bank account and governing document to be considered. Projects that exist solely to promote political or religious beliefs, or organisations experiencing financial instability, will not be funded.
Staff and students from local universities are eligible to apply if they do so through a recognised organisation, such as a student society, and work in partnership with local residents, ensuring projects benefit the wider community beyond the university itself. This opportunity allows organisations to access resources that strengthen community resilience, create opportunities, and contribute to social and economic wellbeing in the region.
For more information, visit The University of Edinburgh.