We're making up to £140,000 in funding available to local groups, social enterprises and charities throughout 2023 - and anyone interested can now apply.
Our Community Fund is back for another year after £100,000 was split between 33 different groups in 2022.
These groups all work to improve the lives of people in the local area and in their own way reflect the four pillars of the airport's sustainability strategy Greater Good - Zero Carbon, Trusted Neighbour, Scotland's Best Business and Enhancing Scotland.
£33,473 went to projects which fit under the Trusted Neighbour pillar; £24,607 went to Zero Carbon projects; £15,737 went to Scotland’s Best Business projects; and £14,611 went to projects under the Enhancing Scotland pillar.
A sum of £11,570 also went to the airport's corporate charity partner The Larder.
Funding is available to any group which works to improve opportunities and services available to people in their communities.
Groups from across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk can apply, and as was the case in 2022 there will be a cap of £7,000 on applications.
Funds will be allocated during three meetings of the Community Board - in April, August and November - and will ensure the communities neighbouring Scotland's busiest airport share in its continued success.
Again priority will be given to applications which reflect the four pillars of the airport’s Greater Good sustainability strategy. Initiatives could include:
the mitigation against, and reduction of, the effects of a changing climate
the reduction of negative local environmental impacts
the enhancement of local business, community groups and long-term sustainable partnerships in the airport’s surrounding area
improving healthy working lives and increasing upskilling and employment opportunities for socially isolated, economically deprived, and disadvantaged persons
improving care and opportunity, providing shelter, and enabling the rehabilitation of vulnerable groups in the community
Jessica Briggs, Edinburgh Airport's Head of Sustainability, said:
“It’s extremely important to us that we’re good neighbours to the communities closest to us and we share the benefits of the airport with others.
“Through an increased Community Fund for 2023 we’re going to be able to support even more local groups, organisations and charities make a difference to the lives of local people.
“The work that goes on in these groups is invaluable, so supporting them is something that we take seriously. With that in mind we’d strongly encourage anyone who’s yet to apply to the Community Fund, and feels their group could benefit, to do so.”
Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, chair of the Community Fund, said:
"There are so many brilliant charities, groups and organisations doing amazing work in their communities - work which has a huge impact on the lives of local people.
"I've seen how Edinburgh Airport's Community Fund has been able to support these groups, and at times that support has been critical, so to see the fund increase to £140,000 for 2023 is a really positive step.
"Dozens of different groups received funding in 2022 and we're looking forward to supporting many more this year. I would encourage anyone who thinks their group could benefit from this support to apply."
Applications for the 2023 Community Fund are now open and the form can be accessed on the Edinburgh Airport website here.
