Event funding

Funding is now available for student groups and University staff to organise events to contribute to the community of welcome in Edinburgh for those who have experienced displacement and forced migration.

Apply for funding

Application deadline: 1 October 2026

You can now apply for Community of Welcome event funding.

Funding is available for events taking place from October to December 2026. Applications for funding for later events will open in December.

Please read the information below on eligibility, event types and the application process before applying for funding.

If you need help, you can contact the team:
educationbeyondborders@ed.ac.uk


Community of welcome

A community of welcome can grow through simple acts: opening your door to a neighbour, trying new food, reading a book, or watching a film that changes your view of the world. It can be speaking up, asking for help, sharing your story – or simply having the courage to be yourself.

Simple Acts

Take inspiration from Refugee Week events and stories that celebrate our diverse community and culture of welcome.

Refugee Week at the University of Edinburgh

Applying for funding

Applicants should ensure they read the criteria and guidance below before applying for funding.

To be eligible for the funding, applicants must meet these criteria:

  • The event must be from October to December 2026 (funding for events in Semester 2 will open in December).
  • Applicants must apply as an individual or as part of a group.
  • Applicants must be a student or staff member at the University of Edinburgh.
  • The event must be linked to a University department or student society.
  • The event must take place in Edinburgh.

The event type may include (but is not limited to):

  • film screenings
  • exhibitions
  • panel sessions
  • arts & craft sessions
  • community meals
  • storytelling events
  • seminars

If you want to discuss your ideas or need support to organise your event, get in touch with the Education Beyond Borders team at educationbeyondborders@ed.ac.uk.


To apply for funding, complete the application form. In this form, you need to:

  • outline your event and the aims
  • provide a budget
  • explain how you will report on the event

Applicants must ensure they read and understand the requirements before applying for the grant.

Application deadline: 1 October 2026


Funding year-round events and Refugee Week

  • Through this funding, Education Beyond Borders will support a wider range of events across the whole year, creating regular opportunities to contribute to our community of welcome for those who have experienced forced migration.
  • Previous rounds of funding focused solely on events that were hosted during Refugee Week, which we will continue to celebrate and support every June.
  • This new approach recognises that the culture of welcome on campus is shaped by the simple acts that happen every day, and the series of community events that happen all year round.

Need help?

You can contact us if you:

  • have an event that will happen outside of the timeframe of this funding call
  • want to discuss your event ideas
  • need support to organise your event

Get in touch at educationbeyondborders@ed.ac.uk.

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