Free Funding Advice Programme for Edinburgh Social Enterprises 🤝
Get expert feedback on your funding application with free tailored support for Edinburgh social enterprises from Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network and Edinburgh University.
Are you a social enterprise in Edinburgh aiming to secure funding and maximise your impact?
Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network (ESEN), in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, is piloting an initiative to connect local social enterprises with University volunteers who can provide expert feedback on funding applications, this is free of charge. Volunteers are staff from the University’s Edinburgh Research Office who work on funding applications day-in, day-out. Some staff already have experience of the third sector while others will be brought up to speed.
What’s on offer?
- Up to 4.5 hours of skilled review – Receive feedback on all or part of your funding application (length dependent) from University volunteers.
- Personalised suggestions – Get expert suggestions for your text, match to funder’s eligibility, and/or budget.
- Flexible timing – Feedback sessions are available between November 2026 and January 2027 (you’ll agree the timeline with your volunteer).
- One-to-one feedback session – Benefit from a dedicated 1-hour session with your volunteer specialist to discuss your application, clarify feedback, and ask questions.
- Support at any stage – Whether your application is still being drafted or has been previously unsuccessful, this initiative could potentially support you.
Spaces are limited. We’ll prioritise applications that stand to benefit most from the offer. The support is one-off unless both you and your volunteer agree to continue. After your session, we’ll follow up briefly to learn about your experience and any progress you’ve since made. This will help us to develop the initiative.
💰 Looking for further funding opportunities in Edinburgh?
Find our up to date list of funding opportunities for Social Enterprises in Edinburgh.
Funding for Climate, Youth, Health, Community, Arts, Innovation & Enterprise, Vulnerable People & Poverty, Women in Social Enterprise & more.
