Community groups in Edinburgh are being invited to apply for funding from a £50,000 pilot scheme by the City of Edinburgh Council to establish new food growing projects.
The “Grow Your Own” community grant initiative will welcome applications from projects aimed at establishing new community growing projects. Applications for funding are invited to help the creation of new growing spaces, supporting the establishment of growing groups, and promoting education around urban food production.
Grants of up to £5,000 will be awarded to constituted voluntary and community groups across the city. With projects running for up to 12 months.
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. This fund aims to provide smaller community groups with essential support to establish community growing initiatives.
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.
The deadline for applications is noon on 12 May.