March Funding Ideas
The ESES Communities Team sees various opportunities arise throughout the month. This News Item contains the highlights from March 2025.
Applications are now open for the first North Edinburgh Community Benefits Fund. This flexible fund is aimed at local third-sector organisations working in North Edinburgh to help support their services.
A total of £10,000 is available, provided by Cruden Group as part of their contract to deliver the Silverlea development. The development will see 143 new homes for social and Mid-Market rent built on a site off Muirhouse Parkway.
Application Deadline: Friday 25 April 2025
You can find out more on their page: https://yourvoice.edinburgh.gov.uk/
Or attend one of Edinburgh Council’s drop-in sessions either in person or online:
- Tuesday 1 April, 2.00pm - 4.00pm - Application Support Drop in – Granton Library
- Thursday 10 April, 2.00pm-4.00pm – Application Support Drop in- Muirhouse Library (MacMillan Hub)
- Tuesday 22 April, 10.00am - 11.00am - Online information session - Please email Granton.Waterfront@edinburgh.gov.uk for an online link.
- Tuesday 22 April, 6.00pm - 7.00pm - Online information session - Please email Granton.Waterfront@edinburgh.gov.uk for an online link.
The Edinburgh Airport Community Fund has up to £80,000 available to local groups during the next meeting in April 2025.
The fund was established to ensure local communities share in the success of Scotland’s busiest airport. It provides financial support to community groups and charities committed to improving opportunities, facilities, and services available to local people.
Applications for the April meeting are now open.
Full details here: Edinburgh Airport Community Fund | Edinburgh Airport
Easyfundraising: Are you looking for a fundraising idea that’s easy and sustainable? Why not try easyfundraising. It is a way to fundraise which is more sustainable and less time consuming than tombolas, raffles and lotteries etc.
Most people shop online, and your community can get involved in raising funds at no further cost to themselves. It can potentially be a significant ongoing income that will run in the background once set up and promoted
More details here: www.easyfundraising.org.uk
Main Grant Funding Programme 2025 ‘Bringing People Together’
The OneCity Trust exists to tackle the impact that poverty has on people in Edinburgh. While we recognise that our fund cannot solve poverty and social isolation on its own, we believe that simple activities can have substantial and lasting impact on individuals.
In 2025 we want to support activities which bring people who are impacted by poverty and social isolation together in ways which are creative, impactful and have the potential to have a lasting legacy.
Funding Available: In 2025, grants available will be up to a maximum £5,000. However, we recognise that impactful activities can often cost less, and we welcome applications of less than £5,000.
We want to see projects that promote community activities, reduce poverty and the impact of poverty, tackle inequalities and enhance diversity and equality e.g. lunch clubs, cooking groups, arts and crafts and DIY projects.
Full details here: Main Grant Funding Programme 2025 – One City Trust
IMPORTANT DATES:
- Monday 10 March 2025 – Fund opens to applicants
- Friday 2 May 2025 – 5pm – Fund closes for applications
- Monday 7 July 2025 – Notifications of grant awards or otherwise start to be issued
Rising venue costs make it tough for local organisations to find affordable spaces. That’s why Edinburgh University offers a Community Access to Rooms initiative, which offers free use of university spaces when not in use for teaching or research.
From refugee support to social action projects, they open their doors to help local groups thrive.
Find out more: Community Access to Rooms | Edinburgh Local