Funding Opportunity: Community Grants Fund – Royal Company of Merchants of the City of Edinburgh
Not-for-profit organisations across West Lothian and the wider Lothians can now apply for funding of up to £5,000 through the Royal Company of Merchants of the City of Edinburgh Community Grants Fund.
This fund supports projects that deliver clear community benefit and make a meaningful difference locally.
About the fund
The Community Grants Fund forms part of the Royal Company of Merchants’ charitable work. Up to £25,000 is available per funding round to support organisations working across Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian.
Projects can focus on one or more of the following themes:
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Social need
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Youth
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Older people
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Education
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Environment
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Social enterprise
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Healthcare
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Sport
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Culture and the arts
Priority will be given to projects where the funding will make a significant and measurable difference.
Who can apply?
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Registered charities
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Constituted voluntary and community groups
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Community organisations (e.g. SCIOs, companies limited by guarantee, community benefit societies)
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Community Interest Companies that meet the required governance standards
Please note:
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Organisations must be primarily based in Edinburgh or the Lothians
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Groups with an annual income over £500,000 are not eligible
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Core salary or overhead costs are only eligible where directly related to the project
Key dates
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Programme opened: 19 January 2026
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Application deadline: 27 February 2026
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Decisions expected: End of June 2026
The fund opens twice each year, with decision panels taking place in June and December.
How to apply
Applications and full guidance are available via Foundation Scotland.
