In the run up to COP26, The University of Edinburgh is running ‘The Green Micro-grants’, a grants scheme for community projects with the natural environment and social impact at their heart.
In November 2021, Glasgow will be hosting the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). This conference brings together countries from all over the world in order to address the climate crisis.
Following Patrick Geddes (a Scottish biologist, philanthropist, pioneering town planner and lecturer at the University of Edinburgh), we want to encourage people to ‘think global, act local’ by funding grassroots projects that, in their own way, take action against the climate crisis.
And each of us has a part to play. That’s why, in the run up to COP26, the University’s micro-grant scheme is going green!
- 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 funding is available until Friday 19th August, but you can apply at an point up to that date, and all applications will be reviewed by a panel.
If you would like to apply for a larger grant, please apply to our Community Grants Scheme, open twice a year for awards of up to £5,000.
The green microgrants
Through its micro-grant scheme, the University will support community organisations and charities based in the Edinburgh region to do their bit to tackle climate change and the biodiversity crisis, and improve the sustainability of our local spaces and communities.
There is already lots of fantastic work happening across the city and wider region in relation to the climate crisis, and we hope that extra funding will enable some more great activities and projects to take place.
Groups can apply for up to £1000 through our micro-grant scheme for small scale community activities. The purpose of the scheme is to provide micro-grants to community groups, charities or businesses for projects which aim to:
- Improve their local natural environment and
- Have a positive social impact for local communities
What is meant by ‘supporting the local natural environment’?
This is where projects will improve environmental sustainability, increase local biodiversity and/or contribute to tackling the climate crisis at a local level. This might include seeking to reduce carbon emissions, reducing waste, teaching your community green behaviours, or other ways of improving your local natural environment.
What is meant by ‘positive social impact’?
This is the beneficial effect for local people and communities that you expect your project to create or contribute to. It could include improved wellbeing, access to better nutrition, improved educational opportunities, improved quality of life, greater sense of community, reduction in anxiety or improved financial circumstances. You should set out as clearly as possible how your project will involve and/or benefit local communities living in the Edinburgh City region (the City of Edinburgh and/or East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian, Scottish Borders, Fife).
How to apply
The application process is simple and a member of the Edinburgh Local team will be on hand to support you if you have any questions, just contact local@ed.ac.uk.
You can apply for a green micro-grant at any time by filling in the application form below and sending it back to local@ed.ac.uk. 
Green micro-grant application form (83.83 KB Word)
Please read the Guidance notes below before completing your application form.
Green Micro-grants Guidance Notes 2020-21 (79.06 KB Word)
You do not need to complete this form just yet, but please ensure you have read our Terms and Conditions before submitting your application:
Community Grant Terms and Conditions (71.3 KB Word)
Accessibility
If you require the application form in another format, please email local@ed.ac.uk.