Main Grant Funding Programme 2026 

‘Projects that tackle the impact of poverty and promote inclusion.’

Our Theme:

The One City Trust exists to tackling the impact that poverty has on people in Edinburgh.  While we recognise that our fund cannot solve poverty, inequalities and social isolation on its own, we believe that simple activities can have substantial and lasting impact on individuals. 

In 2026 we want to support activities which bring people who are impacted by poverty, social isolation and exclusion together in ways which are creative, impactful and have the potential to have lasting legacy.

Theme – ‘Projects that tackle the impact of poverty and promote inclusion.’

Funding available: 

In 2026 our grants will be available up to a maximum of £6,000 each.  However, we recognise that impactful activities can often cost less and we welcome applications of less than £6,000.  We want to see projects that promote community activities, reduce poverty and the impact of poverty, tackle inequalities and enhance diversity and equality e.g. lunch clubs, cooking groups, arts and crafts and DIY projects. 

Important Dates:

  • Monday 9 March 2026 – Programme opens to applicants  
  • Friday 8 May 2026 – Programme closes to applicants at 5pm 
  • Monday 3 August 2026 –  Notifications of grant awards or otherwise issued
  • Tuesday 1 September 2026 – Projects commence

Who can apply:

  • Any registered Scottish Charity or constituted community group, provided they are based in Edinburgh and focus their activities within the city boundary.
  • Organisations with an overall income of no more than £750,000. Please note priority will be given to those with an annual income of less than £600,000.
  • Applications may include core costs related to the delivery of the project such as utilities, salaries, venue hire and other costs which make the project viable.
  • Applications from partnerships or consortiums are welcomed, however, one of the partners must apply as the lead organisation who will be accountable for the grant.
  • Organisations funded by the Trust within the past two years can apply again, provided their application is for a completely different proposal than that which was previously funded.
  • A governing document, bank account in the name of the organisation and the most current signed charity accounts MUST be supplied.

 We will not fund:

  1. Requests from individuals or non-constituted groups.
  2. The following Projects or initiatives:
  • bodies constituted as statutory or other public-sector organisations.
  • Profit distributing companies, partnerships or organisations including CICs with share capital.
  • The promotion of faith groups, religion, political beliefs, or animal welfare.
  • Projects seeking repeat or multi-year funding.
  • large Festivals, Events, or theatrical adaption.
  • Foreign trips or overseas projects.
  • Organisations less than one year old.
  • Organisations out with the city boundary of Edinburgh, and
  • Organisations involved in the distribution of grants or funds to other organisation’s/individuals.

Application Form:

Click on the link below to download and save the 2026 application form: 

2026 OneCity Trust Annual Grants – Application Form

Submission:

Email completed forms to: admin@onecitytrust.com by 5pm, Friday 8 May 2026,

Please remember the following documents MUST also be attached if you want your application to be considered:

  • A governing document such as a constitution or articles of association
  • Evidence of a bank account in the name of the organisation
  • Current signed charity accounts