One Council Partnership Fund to support local groups
New funding awards will be made from our One Council Partnership Fund (OCPF) to local community groups, charities and third sector organisations.
The application window for this year’s grant funding opened on 1 September and closes on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
OCPF funding enables our council to support community organisations in their work to help to reduce inequalities and make East Lothian a better place to live.
The focus of the 2027/28 funding awards will be to support initiatives and activities which:
- address inequalities and the impact of poverty, including health inequalities
- reduce social isolation for vulnerable children, young people and adults
- support prevention and early intervention activities across all age groups
- provide more youth work opportunities for our children and young people
- respond to the Climate Emergency
- promote volunteering
The One Council Partnership Fund issued over £1.3 million in grants for 2026/27 to more than 30 groups across East Lothian.
Projects funded last year include vital support around inequalities for children, young people and families through the work of The Pennypit Community Development Trust in the Preston, Seton and Gosford and Fa’side areas, and First Step who work to secure a better future for children and families in the Musselburgh area.
Our council is also pleased to be partnering with East Lothian Foodbank, recognising its critical part in supporting those facing the impacts of poverty - both in and out of work - in our communities, and engaging with The Ridge who undertake work to support a range of community needs in the Dunbar area.
Further information on the OCPF is available on our website.