Community Grants scheme continues to empower local change

The University of Edinburgh will continue to support community-led projects through its Community Grants scheme, pledging to award at least 20 grants per year until 2030 as part of its new Community Plan.

Launched in 2017 following the University’s first Community Plan, the scheme helps local communities to develop projects and community activities by providing funding and collaboration. Twice a year, local organisations can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to support initiatives that create meaningful change in their communities. 

The Community Grant Scheme Autumn 2025 round is open for applications until the 31st of October. 

Supporting thriving communities

Since its launch in November 2017, the Community Grants scheme has:

  • Awarded over £822,000
  • Funded 330 projects
  • Supported 252 unique organisations

Community Grants have become a valued part of the local third sector funding landscape. The scheme’s ethos—empowering communities to “create the change that matters to them”—is now even more central to the University’s approach after feedback from grant recipients and community partners helped shape its continuation in the University’s third Community Plan, published this month. 

Community-led impact

One recent example is Archaeology Scotland, which used its grant to run The Big Dig Dalkeith at Newbattle Abbey in summer 2024. The project brought together 130 local residents—including young carers and New Scots—for a hands-on archaeological experience, sparking interest in STEM and local heritage. The group received further funding to run another community dig in 2025, focusing on making archaeology more accessible for all. 

Three women talking at an Archaeology Scotland community dig in 2024.
Archaeology Scotland ran a community dig at Newbattle Abbey in August 2024.

In West Lothian, The Bridge Community Project supported 141 people through wellbeing groups and courses, and provided 1,039 counselling sessions to 166 individuals.

The Bridge logo

“The project has significantly improved the emotional wellbeing of those who accessed our services,” said Alan Davidson from the Bridge Community Project. “We supported individuals facing complex and multiple needs including bereavement, anxiety, depression and past trauma.”

Micro-grants for quick action

Recognising that communities sometimes need to act fast, the University also offers micro-grants of up to £500, available year-round.

Leith Sea Cadets used their micro-grant to replace worn-out training equipment.

Leith Sea Cadets use new equipment
Leith Sea Cadets

“For many of our cadets—some of whom come from challenging backgrounds—the arrival of brand-new equipment was incredibly uplifting,” said Simon Preston from Leith Sea Cadets.

Craigsfarm Community Development Project used their micro-grant to run art activities supporting the wellbeing of 54 adults with mental health challenges.

Partnering for positive social impact

The scheme also encourages collaboration between community organisations and the University. In spring 2025, Shorelark Arts CIC partnered with Professor Steve Brusatte to deliver dinosaur-themed art workshops for young carers in East Lothian, aiming to boost wellbeing and confidence.

Steve Brusatte
Steve Brusatte during fossil-preserving fieldwork on the Isle of Skye

Meanwhile, the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland worked with pupils from Abbeyhill and Royal Mile Primary Schools to create a new dance show, performed at Pomegranates—Scotland’s only world dance festival—by postgraduate students from the University’s MSc in Dance Science and Education.

Traditional Dance Forum performance
Traditional Dance Forum performance
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