Your Choice

Grow Your Own Fund FAQs

Below is a list of commonly asked questions. They will be updated as we receive questions. For any other questions relating to the Fund not covered below, please email thrivinggreenspaces@edinburgh.gov.uk . 

Queries related to Your Voice platform 

If you have issues with creating your account on Your Voice platform, submitting your application or other technical issues, please visit the Registration Help page.  

I want to submit a project, but I’m not part of an existing group. Can I still apply?  

Yes, if you have support from a parent organisation who will support you (e.g., a community council).  

We are a small existing group/organisation already, but don’t yet have a food growing component. Can we still apply? 

Yes. 

Can we put in a joint proposal with other organisations?  

Yes. Partnership proposals are actively encouraged, especially where they will result in reduced consumption by sharing resources across a community area, or with a similar community group.  

The fund does not accept applications from: 

  • individuals   
  • sole traders   
  • organisations based outside Edinburgh 
  • organisations focused on making profits and sharing these profits privately - including companies limited by shares, organisations without the right asset locks or organisations that can pay profits to directors or shareholders 

What will our partnership with a parent organisation look like? 

The parent organisation will hold financial duties for the project. Some of the parent organisation’s responsibilities will be subject to the partnership established with the applicant. This means that some partnerships may involve more support (such as support with the application) than others. 

Can we edit the online application after submission?

Yes, you are able to edit your application at any time up to the application deadline.

What happens after we submit our application? 

We will email you to let you know we got your proposal. We may ask you for more information before we can make an initial decision. Then, our panel will make a decision and notify you. 

Will we receive feedback if our application is unsuccessful?  

Yes, you will receive feedback via email. 

What happens if we get the funding? 

Successful applicants are required to submit a monitoring report to the City of Edinburgh Council. Please retain all invoices, among other details, as you will need them for the monitoring report. We will send you a report template and remind you when the report is due (i.e. usually about 12 months after the receipt of funding). You will be asked to provide: 

  • A breakdown of how the money was spent, together with receipts 
  • A short report, including photos/ videos, on the impact of the project 

Information on the impact of funded projects will be published online on the Your Voice platform to ensure transparency. 

The Council’s standard conditions of grants are available here: Council standard conditions of grant. You must ensure that you comply with the conditions. 

When will I find out if I’ve been successful?  

We will publish the expected timelines shortly.  

What are the funding conditions?  

All awards must meet the following conditions:  

  • Grants paid out will only be used for community benefit.  
  • Grants are subject to the Council’s Consolidated Conditions of Grant.  
  • Grants must be used within twelve months of the date awarded.  
  • Grants must be used for the agreed purposes only and, if unspent or if the organisation dissolves, any unspent funds must be returned.  
  • Funds awarded must be held and spent by the grant holder only.  
  • Funds should not be retained by the organisation or contribute to the organisation’s reserves. The organisation should not self-charge. This includes not charging for the use of their own venue, for example. 

How are decisions made? 

 Council officers will check applications to ensure they are eligible. The officer may at this point seek additional information or clarity. A funding panel will consider eligible applications in each funding round. Panels typically consist of council officers and representatives from local community organisations. Panels are asked to consider: 

  • Has the applicant given a good description of the project and provided sufficient detail about the proposed activities?  
  • Could the project duplicate existing work that is planned or already underway? 
  •  Is there enough evidence that the proposed project would provide community benefit, either for a targeted group within the community, or for the community as a whole? 
  • How many people are likely to benefit from the project and are the suggested benefits clearly illustrated and realistic?  
  • Is the project well organised, with evidence of a clear plan for delivery?  
  • Is the cost breakdown reasonable, proportionate, clearly explained and evidenced?  
  • Does the applicant have the capacity to deliver the project, or do they need some additional support to think things through in more detail?  
  • Has the applicant already received an award from a funding panel within the financial year?  

As this is a Council fund, we ask that all panel members have regard for the Council’s funding objectives:  

  • Create good places to live and work.  
  • Ending poverty in Edinburgh.  
  • Becoming a net zero city by 2030.  

The funding panel may recommend:  

  • A full award.  
  • A partial award.  
  • No award. 

What role does a parent organisation play? 

Parent organisations take responsibility for the projects they support. Parent organisations owe a duty of care with regard to operations carried out by its subsidiary, including project management, minimising risk, receiving funds and spending them accordingly 

Can Council services apply?  

No.