Community-led organisations across Edinburgh and the Lothians can apply for grants of up to £100,000 each to help safeguard vital local services.
Almost £800,000 has already been awarded from the fund to development trusts across Scotland. In Edinburgh, Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust received nearly £100,000 to develop a community venue and provide staff with an office whilst Balerno Village Trust was given £70,000 towards renovating Balerno Police Station, which will help the organisation garner income in the long-term.
The grants come from the Recovery and Resilience Programme (RRP), a £5m initiative delivered by Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS) and funded by Foundation Scotland.
The programme is designed to help development trusts move beyond day-to-day survival by investing in their organisational resilience – ensuring they have the knowledge and strategies in place to continue serving their communities for years to come.
Emma Galloway, chair of Balerno Village Trust said: “We’re thrilled to receive this funding, marking a major step forward in transforming the Welcome Centre in Balerno’s former Police Station.
“It will enable us to create 30 much-needed afterschool childcare places and launch an inclusive programme of activities for all ages.
“These developments will enrich community life while boosting our income, strengthening our resilience, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Welcome Centre for years to come.”
Melissa Highton, chair of Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust added: “After years of lease negotiations, the RRP grant from DTAS has provided the breakthrough we needed to move forward with the canalside units, creating a high-quality working environment for staff and a much-needed space for the wider community.
“Our canal boat hire social enterprise remains central to the Trust, but the new units will allow us to offer a greater range of activities to more people, helping to strengthen our long-term sustainability as an organisation.”
Open to all DTAS member organisations, the programme offers tailored guidance to help development trusts build strengthen community involvement, set goals and improve how they are run.
Errin Anderson, head of member support at DTAS, said: “At a time when many communities are facing rising costs and increasing demand for local services, development trusts play a vital role in driving regeneration and delivering social and economic benefits to communities. But to do that, they themselves need a strong foundation.
“The RRP isn’t about funding projects – it’s about helping organisations think strategically and strengthen for the long term.”
Rachel Searle, head of communications and impact at Foundation Scotland, added: “Development Trusts are often the backbone of community infrastructure, supporting social, economic, cultural, and environmental activity in our communities.
“The £5m award from Foundation Scotland last year recognised the significance of their role and represented the largest single award we have made to date.
“We are so pleased to see the announcement of the first awards from the RRP as we’re aware that many Development Trusts are coming under increasing pressure as costs rise and the funding landscape becomes tighter.
“By supporting DTAS to establish this fund, our intention was to make an investment that would enable support for long-term strength, resilience and sustainability in communities.
“We’re delighted to see the RRP creating those opportunities, supporting Development Trusts all over Scotland.”
Applications are open now for DTAS members on the DTAS website, with funding available until 31 December 2027.
