LEITHCHOOSES 2026 will give a funding boost to “wellbeing in Leith”
LeithChooses has announced that applications are now open for funding bids from community projects in the wider Leith area.
Organisations can apply for up to £5,000 for a project which “enhances well-being for Leithers” and applications will be put to the public vote on 24 January 2026 at Leith Community Centre, Kirkgate on the Community Vote Day.
This year 11 new projects received funding, following an exceptionally busy vote day, including a new children’s running group, summer holiday workshops for children and parents, tea dances for seniors, a playground mural and a multicultural celebration day.
LeithChooses Chair, Cllr Susan Rae, said: “Many organisations from Leith have benefited from our participatory budget fund in the past, and we are excited to see what innovative projects Leith groups come up with this time, on the theme of “well-being in Leith”. LeithChooses is entering its 15th year and we never fail to be impressed by the enthusiasm and resilience of Leithers.”
Cllr Jack Caldwell, also in the Steering Group, said: “We are really excited to see what ideas come forward from Newhaven to Broughton, Constitution Street to Hillside, LeithChooses has funded many groups and activities and this year should be no different.”
Sally Millar, Leith Links Community Council and Steering Group anchor, stressed the need to get applications in soon. “Participatory Budgeting allows communities to have a direct say in how community budgets are spent and to choose priorities for spending. The voting day is a great chance for organisations and the public to meet others who live, work, study or volunteer in the area. Get those applications in!”
The application window is open until 22 October 2025. You can fill it in by visiting leithchooses.net/applications-for-leithchooses-2025-26-are-now-open
Support is available for any organisation that wishes to take part. Get in touch with LeithChooses through their website leithchooses.net/would-you-like-help-with-your-application.
Note for editors: LeithChooses was started in 2010 as “£eith Decides” and disperses Community Grant funding for Edinburgh Council Wards 12 and 13.
For more information on LeithChooses contact [email protected] or visit leithchooses.net
