Community groups and organisations across the county can apply for funding for activities and initiatives that will benefit their area during financial year 2023/24.
Our focus is for projects that help contribute to the aims of our Council vision for an even more prosperous and thriving East Lothian.
The One Council Partnership Fund (OCPF) provides revenue grant funding support for a range of community groups, charities and voluntary or third sector organisations’ activities to help reduce inequalities and make East Lothian a better place to live.
The focus of the funding awards for 2023/24 will be to support initiatives and activities which help community-based organisations to:
- Address inequalities and the impact of the cost of living crisis
- Promote wellbeing and reduce social isolation
- Provide more youth work opportunities for our children and young people
- Respond to the climate emergency
- Promote volunteering.
Organisations should reference how their project meets the strategic priorities as outlined in the new Council Plan 2022-2027 and the East Lothian Plan 2017-2027 and show how they will evidence the positive difference the funding will make.
The One Council Partnership Fund issued over £1m in grants for 2022/23. Projects included the Amisfield Preservation Trust to support volunteering, the Bridges Project’s work helping young people access training opportunities, the East Lothian Foodbank, Lothian Disability Sport and Recharge youth project in Tranent.
Cabinet member for Community Wellbeing Councillor Colin McGinn said: “Across East Lothian we are fortunate to have dedicated organisations and groups who are committed to supporting those in need within our area. The One Council Partnership Fund allows us to support those groups make a difference within their community.
“Our focus is for projects that help contribute to the aims of our Council vision for an even more prosperous and thriving East Lothian. The current economic climate continues to present challenges for residents therefore applications that support people through this time, reduce inequalities, increase opportunities for connection and wellbeing or that promote volunteering will all help. I’m particularly pleased to see the fund recognise the importance of youth work and the opportunities that this can provide for children and young people.
“We can see from previous years the difference that the One Council Partnership Fund makes – from programmes to tackle food insecurity to support for disability sport and programmes that help people improve their computer skills. We look forward to supporting more worthwhile projects in the next financial year.”
Applications are invited from Friday 4th November until Friday 2 December; decision letters will be issued in March following confirmation of the Council’s approved budget for financial year 2023/24.