WELLBEING IN LEITH GETS LEITHCHOOSES 2026 FUNDING BOOST
LeithChooses is delighted to announce that applications are now open for funding bids for community projects across the wider Leith area!
Organisations can apply for up to £5,000 for a project that ‘enhances well-being for Leithers’ and applications will be put to the public vote on 24th January 2026 at Leith Community Centre, Kirkgate at the much-loved LeithChooses Community Vote Day.
This year saw 11 new projects receive funding, following an exceptionally busy vote day, including a new children’s running group, summer holiday workshops for children and parents, tea dances for seniors, a playground mural and a multicultural celebration day.
LeithChooses Chair, Councillor Susan Rae, said “Many organisations from Leith have benefited from our participatory budget fund in the past, and we are excited to see what innovative projects Leith groups come up with this time, on the theme of ‘well-being in Leith’.
“LeithChooses is entering its 15th year and we never fail to be impressed by the enthusiasm and resilience of Leithers.”
“We are really excited to see what ideas come forward’ said Councillor Jack Caldwell, also on the Steering Group.
“From Newhaven to Broughton, Constitution Street to Hillside, LeithChooses has funded many groups and activities and this year should be no different.”
Sally Millar, Leith Links Community Council and Steering Group member, stressed the need to get applications in soon. “Participatory Budgeting allows communities to have a direct say in how community budgets are spent and to choose priorities for spending.
“The voting day is a great chance for organisations and the public to meet others who live, work, study or volunteer in the area. Get those applications in!”
The application window is open until 22nd October 2025. You can fill it in by visiting leithchooses.net/applications-for-leithchooses-2025-26-are-now-open.
Support is available for any organisation that wishes to take part, please get in touch via leithchooses.net/would-you-like-help-with-your-application.
LeithChooses was started in 2010 as “£eith Decides” and disperses Community Grant funding for Edinburgh Council Wards 12 and 13.
More information on LeithChooses, please contact susan.rae@edinburgh.gov.uk or visit leithchooses.net.
