Greenlight 2026: Thank You for Taking Part – What Happens Next?
The 2026 Greenlight application and voting period has now come to a close.
A huge thank you to everyone who submitted a project, voted in this year’s community ballot, shared opportunities with others, or supported applicants along the way. Once again, we’ve been inspired by the creativity, ambition and commitment of communities across Edinburgh.
This year’s funding round has brought forward an incredible range of ideas that will help communities respond to the climate and nature crisis in practical, locally-led ways.
A new approach for 2026
This year, Greenlight introduced two funding routes to make it easier for projects of different sizes to access support.
Projects requesting between £5,001 and £20,000 were selected through a community vote, giving ECCAN members the opportunity to help decide which larger projects should receive funding.
Projects requesting up to £5,000 have been assessed directly by ECCAN and awarded on a rolling basis, allowing smaller initiatives to get started more quickly. Following a very high level of interest, applications for this funding stream have now closed so we can focus on reviewing the applications already received.
What happens now?
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be carefully reviewing the results of the community vote alongside final eligibility checks and funding assessments.
Our aim is to ensure that the projects selected reflect the priorities of our members while meeting the Greenlight criteria and making the best use of the funding available.
Timeline
July
Midnight 10th July - Voting closes.
Midnight 14th July - Up to £5,000 funding applications close.
Community votes are verified and counted.
Final eligibility and due diligence checks are completed.
Remaining applications for grants of up to £5,000 continue to be assessed.
Week beginning 20th July
Applicants for projects requesting £5,001–£20,000 will begin to hear the outcome of their applications.
Throughout July and August
Successful Greenlight projects will be announced as funding agreements are finalised.
Projects requesting up to £5,000 will continue to be announced on a rolling basis as decisions are made.
Looking ahead
Every Greenlight round reminds us just how much passion, knowledge and innovation exists within Edinburgh’s communities. From growing food and restoring nature to supporting active travel, community resilience and climate education, the breadth of ideas submitted this year has been inspiring.
We’re looking forward to sharing the projects that will receive funding over the coming weeks and celebrating the people and organisations helping to build a greener, fairer and more resilient Edinburgh.
Thank you again to everyone who took part in Greenlight 2026. We look forward to sharing what comes next.