The City of Edinburgh Council is now accepting applications for its Community Grants Fund (CGF), offering grants of up to £5,000 to support community work in neighbourhoods across Edinburgh.
The Community Grants Fund (CGF) is a small grants scheme designed to empower local communities and support grassroots initiatives. Grants of up to £5,000 are available to constituted groups for community-based activities, with 13 local funds corresponding to different areas of the city.
If you are part of a community group with a project in mind, you may be eligible to apply to your local fund.
The CGF has previously supported a variety of important projects, including the Grassmarket Community Cinema Project, bespoke driven bikes for North Edinburgh Dementia Care and a a community orchard group at Lauriston Farm – and your project could be next!
Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “Community-driven projects have the power to transform neighbourhoods and improve lives. Our communities are the lifeblood of our city, and we are committed to ensuring they have the resources they need to turn their ideas into reality.
“The Community Grant Fund offers a valuable opportunity to make a meaningful impact. I’m excited to see the incredible projects that will emerge from this round of applications.”
The deadline for applications is midnight on Wednesday, 30th April 2025.
All applications will be reviewed in June, and successful applicants will be notified soon after.
Quotes from past participants:
North Edinburgh Dementia Care (Craigentinny Duddingston)
Project: To trial a project getting older isolated people with a diagnosis of dementia out and about in the community using bespoke driven bikes.
Quote: “The grant has enabled us to work in partnership with Joy Rides to deliver an outdoor bike program to our service users, who have a diagnosis of dementia.
Service users enjoyed a ride on a trishaw which is a customised electric bike with a driver cycling from behind.
“Promoting their health & wellbeing and reducing isolation being outdoors in the fresh air, making them visible in their own community.
“The project enabled people who were no longer able to cycle independently to feel the wind in their hair and the exhilaration of the travelling on a bike through beautiful areas, in a safe, secure and supported environment.” (quote from participant)
Grassmarket Community Project (City Centre)
Project: Funding to hire a cinema director and two projectionists part-time to continue their valuable work curating and delivering a weekly film programme for the Community Picture House.
Quotes: “In summary, the Grassmarket Community Picture House played a pivotal role in enhancing the lives of its attendees by providing social interaction, cultural enrichment, and access to support services. This initiative promoted positive social engagement, reduced isolation, and empowered individuals to build connections and grow within a supportive community environment.” (quote from participant)
Edinburgh Agroecology- Lauriston Farm (Almond)
Project: to develop a community orchard group
Quote: “The Orchard project is beneficial to the community on many levels. Not only is it an investment in future fruit production, it is also where the wider community, especially children, can learn so much about natural food sources and the splendid variety of fruits.
‘For the group directly involved, the orchard is a joyful space for creativity and learning about simple, natural and organic technologies. The collaboration and commitment of stalwart Orchard Group Members combined with dedication of the directors of Lauriston Farm is second to none.” (quote from participant)