Many local organisations have had to pause their day-to-day activities to respond to the health crisis in their communities. As part of its response to Covid-19, the University has set up an emergency micro-grants fund to support these organisations in their essential work. Community organisations and charities based in the Edinburgh region can apply for up to £500 through the micro-grant scheme for small scale community activities and local action. Over the last month, more than £7,000 has been distributed to local organisations. One such organisation is Fife Shopping and Support Services, an organisation delivering food and prescriptions to vulnerable residents of Fife throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Lyra, an arts organisation based in Craigmillar, also received a grant, enabling them to run a new project of online arts activities by delivering craft resource packs to 100 young people. Other organisations to benefit include a health and wellbeing project in Leith, a bike hub in the Inch, and a breakfast club now delivering in West Lothian. From August 2020, the micro-grants fund will be open to non-Covid-19 related community projects. The University also runs a Community Grants Scheme that awards grants of up to £5,000 to fund community projects in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas. To date, more than £260,000 has been awarded through the scheme since it started in 2017. Related links Fife Shopping and Support Services Lyra arts organisation Micro-grants Community Grants Support You can donate to the Covid-19 partnership fund which helps supports these projects. Photography: Maria Symchych-Navrotska/GettyImages This article was published on 2024-07-22
