Applications to LeithChooses are now open. Organisations within the NTBCC area may well be interested because some of NTBCC’s area is within the LeithChooses area. (See the map of the LC area here.)

Organisations that wish to run a project in 2025-26 that would benefit the people of Leith (meaning people living in the LeithChooses area) can submit a project. Then in early 2025, anyone who lives, works, studies or volunteers in the LC area will be able to vote for their preferred projects. (Voting will be both online and in a voting event at Leith Community Centre.)

The maximum grant is £5000, but as you can see on last year’s gallery, this can fund some very worthwhile projects. There are a few other conditions that stem from the community grant fund rules but these are simple ‘good governance’ rules. See the application form and guidance notes here.

So if you have an idea for a suitable project, why not apply? If you have queries, contact the LC steering group via leithchooses@edinburgh.gov.uk, or if you are at an NTBCC meeting, talk with Bruce Ryan, Cllr Jack Caldwell or Cllr Susan Rae. (We are on the LeithChooses steering group, along various members of the Leith community councils.)

LeithChooses is an example of particip[atory budgeting, that is people in a given area directly vote to directly decide which items are funded from the relevant tranche of public funds. (You can read more about PB here.)