April Updates: Events, Funding & Ways to Get Involved Across Edinburgh
As spring arrives, there’s a sense of things picking up again across the city. From gardens to community spaces, people are coming together, sharing ideas and taking action. This month brings a range of opportunities to connect, get involved and access support across the ECCAN network. Here are some highlights from this month’s newsletter – scroll down to read the full update.
Coming up: Spring Assembly
Our Spring Assembly takes place on 22nd April at North Edinburgh Arts, bringing members together to connect, share ideas and explore the role of green space and biodiversity in community climate action.
Alongside a shared community lunch and guest speakers, the programme includes a range of interactive workshops – from reimagining local spaces for nature, to exploring belonging and resilience, and hands-on creative sessions inspired by foraging and folklore.
What we’ve been up to
March has been a busy month across the network. We delivered a Carbon Literacy training at the Salisbury Centre, supporting participants to build knowledge, confidence and practical understanding around climate action.
We also ran two fundraising workshops, helping community groups to shape ideas and explore ways to access funding.
We’ve also been holding our GreenLight closing calls, hearing about the incredible work members have delivered – from local projects to community-led action across Edinburgh. We’re looking forward to sharing more on these projects soon.
Get involved
There are lots of ways to get involved across the network this month. From volunteering in community gardens and supporting spaces like Gorgie Community Farm, to getting involved in events such as Beltane and Impact Arts’ Craft Cafe.
There are also opportunities for organisations to support young people through the Green Starts programme, helping to create essential pathways into environmental and community-focused work.
Funding & support
If you’re looking to bring an idea to life, there are a number of funding opportunities currently available – including the ESHC Community Events Fund, offering both free space and small grants to support community-led events across Edinburgh.
As a reminder, ECCAN’s Participation Fund is also available to help cover costs such as travel, childcare or other access needs, please don’t hesitate to apply if this could support your participation at ECCAN events.
Have your say
Organisations across the UK are being invited to take part in the State of the Sector Survey (SOTS) for community energy. By sharing your experiences, insights and ideas, you’ll help strengthen the evidence base for the sector and shape future policy, funding and support for community-led energy.
A new Sustainable Services Directory for Fringe Makers is also being developed, connecting artists with local, sustainable suppliers. Businesses, creatives and community groups are invited to contribute and support a more sustainable approach to the Fringe and beyond.
For full details on all of this and more, click below to view our April newsletter.