New food-growing projects and community groups in Edinburgh are being invited to apply for funding from a £50,000 pilot scheme by the City of Edinburgh Council.
The “Grow Your Own” community grant initiative welcomes applications from projects aimed at developing urban food growing, establishing community garden kitchens, reducing food waste or promoting education around urban food production.
This fund aims to provide smaller community groups with essential support to establish community growing initiatives. Applications are especially encouraged from groups and areas that currently lack community growing opportunities.
Grants of up to £5,000 will be awarded to voluntary and community groups across the city. With projects running for up to 12 months.
Funding can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Purchasing seeds, plants, and tools
- Equipment for community garden cooking areas
- Education and training activities
- Personal protective equipment
- Staff time directly related to establishing the growing area
Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said:
This is a wonderful opportunity for Edinburgh communities to get involved in urban food growing. The city already hosts over 45 allotment sites with over 1,700 council-managed plots, along with more than 70 community growing projects. Through Edinburgh’s Food Growing Strategy (2021- 2026) and Allotment Strategy (2017 – 2027) we aim to expand local food growing initiatives.
This year’s scheme will operate as a pilot program, and its impact will be assessed. If successful, and funding permitting, we could see this becoming an annual initiative.
To apply, groups must meet the Council’s Standard Conditions of Grants. Full details can be found on the City of Edinburgh website. The application process will be administered through the City of Edinburgh Council’s Your Voice platform, designed to ensure a simple and efficient application experience. Visit the website for details on eligibility for the grant before applying.
The deadline for applications is noon on 12 May. Council Officers can provide advice and assistance on your application through email, over the phone or at one of the drop in sessions (details available on the webpage.)
The £50,000 funding has been allocated from the Flood Prevention/Biodiversity (including Food Growing) budget, which was approved in the Council’s budget on 22 February 2024. Further details on the wider scheme can be found online.
