Reminders: LeithChooses applications are open, support for applicants

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Applications now open

Local charities and constituted community groups are invited to apply for project funding of up to £5,000. As usual, projects should be new or adding new value that will be of benefit to the community in Leith. Projects should start after 31st March 2026 and run until March 2027 at the latest. The theme for this year is ‘Well-being in Leith’.

We welcome your applications using our new online form at edinburgh.gov.uk/applyleithchooses. If you would like access to the application form in a different format, please contact leithchooses@edinburgh.gov.uk or 07743 167 340. The deadline for applications is midnight on Wednesday 22nd October 2025.

Be sure to also download and read the LeithChooses guidance notes, to check if your project is eligible, and to guide you in putting together your application. You can also read additional guidance and a sample application form from Edinburgh Council.

Support for applicants

Are you a new applicant? Have you got an idea that needs refining? Would you like to discuss anything, before sending in your application?

Please feel free to come along to speak to us on Saturday 4th October, at the Utilita shop in the Kirkgate, 10am-4pm.

We would like to offer as much support as possible. It’s important to ask for help as early as possible in the process – please don’t leave it to the last minute!

  • You can also email leithchooses@edinburgh.gov.uk if you have questions, or to ask for someone to phone you or arrange a meeting (face to face or online), to discuss.
  • To talk to someone face to face, you can ‘drop in’ and visit a Steering Group meeting. These are held most Wednesdays at 3pm in the upstairs room at McDonald Road Library. We suggest you might email  (as above) to check a meeting is on that week, before coming along.
  • You can ‘drop in’ and visit an evening Steering Group meeting. These are held one Wednesday per month at 5:30pm in the Leith Community Centre, New Kirkgate. Upcoming dates for these are: 15th October 2025
  • We’re also doing a pop-up support session on Saturday 4th October, in the Utilita shop in the Kirkgate, 10am-4pm. Come in for a free coffee and a chat!