Edinburgh boosts funding to fight poverty.

Members of the City of Edinburgh Council have recently approved an investment of £100,000 towards the Regenerative Futures Fund (RFF), a ground-breaking initiative aimed at making Edinburgh a fairer and more inclusive place to live. This new multi-million-pound fund is a crucial step towards eradicating poverty and inequality in the city.

The council’s backing of the RFF is part of Edinburgh’s commitment to taking all necessary measures to combat poverty. This initial investment will kickstart a fundraising plan with a target of £5 million to £10 million. For every £1 contributed by the council, the fund aims to secure an additional £5 to £10 from other funding sources, significantly increasing the support available for community projects throughout Edinburgh.

The RFF will provide financial support to approximately 10 to 15 community organisations over the next decade, offering them stable, long-term funding of up to £100,000 per year. This funding will enable these organisations to develop sustainable solutions that address the root causes of poverty and inequality in Edinburgh.

This initiative builds upon previous commitments made by the council in February, including £500,000 allocated towards child poverty reduction, £100,000 for a Youth and Community Welfare Transition Fund, £25,000 to support the Big Hoose project that aids families in need with household items, and nearly £3 million towards homelessness services in the city.

Council leader Cammy Day expressed his satisfaction with the support received for this investment, stating, “I’m delighted that we’ve had support from councillors to make this investment into the future fairness of our city. Back in 2020, Edinburgh became the first UK city to set a target date to end poverty, and we remain committed to doing everything we can. We know that this is not an easy task, but we must be ambitious and drive the change that is so greatly needed.”

He continued, “The creation of the RFF not only aligns with our poverty-fighting goals, but it also responds to the Edinburgh Poverty Commission’s call for a city-wide partnership fund to collectively work towards ending poverty. Today’s decision affirms our promise to collaborate with those who have firsthand experience of poverty to devise effective solutions for Edinburgh.”

Leah Black, head of the Regenerative Futures Fund at Foundation Scotland, remarked, “This marks a significant step towards creating a more equitable and sustainable Edinburgh. The RFF is guided by the principle of empowering communities most impacted by poverty to drive initiatives based on their own experiences and insights.”

She added, “Through nearly two years of collaboration with individuals, including those with lived experiences of poverty, we have designed a scheme that aims to empower communities and bring about tangible changes in the lives of those affected by poverty. An annual progress report on the program will be presented to the Policy and Sustainability Committee in Autumn 2025, showcasing the impact of this transformative initiative.”