University Community Fund enters fifth year of supporting Fife projects 

The University of St Andrews has announced the latest round of its Community Fund is now open to applications, continuing its commitment to supporting grassroots organisations and community initiatives across Fife.

Now in its fifth year, the Community Fund has awarded over £280,000 to over 180 projects, benefiting charities, sports teams, environmental initiatives, cultural organisations, and social enterprises.

Community groups and organisations across Fife are now invited to apply for grants of between £250 and £3000. The Fund is designed to increase engagement between the University and the wider community, supporting initiatives that promote knowledge exchange, diversity and inclusion, environmental sustainability, and the celebration of local heritage.

During its first four years, the Fund has supported a diverse range of projects. Youth and inclusion initiatives such as Kirkcaldy RFC’s Women and Girls Team who were awarded £2700 for their growth and participation project and Canongate Nursery Parents Group was awarded £2884.97 for their Outdoor Imagination Den and communal outdoor eating and play area. In addition, Quinn’s Boxing Club in Springfield, set up to support young people including those with social and behavioural difficulties, was awarded £1000.

Kieran Quinn, Head Coach of Quinn’s Boxing Club, said: “The award of £1,000 has had a significant impact on the club and the young people they support. With this grant, the club was able to purchase much-needed new boxing gloves and head guards, ensuring that members have access to safe and high-quality equipment. This investment has not only enhanced their training experience but has also increased participation by creating a safer and more inclusive environment.”

Environmental and sustainability efforts have also benefited, with organisations such as Milton and Coaltown Community Council being awarded £1500 towards benches and picnic tables located in the Bleachfields Community Wildlife Walk, and the East Neuk Community Emergency Planning Team, which received a grant of £3000 to support the Fife Coastal Path Safety Markers Project.

Meanwhile, the Fund has helped to celebrate Fife’s cultural heritage through organisations like Stellar Quines, an intersectional feminist theatre company which was awarded £1375 for its Youth Theatre Group, based in Kirkcaldy, as well as £678 to the Fife Association of Burns Clubs, to support the Fife Burns Festival, held earlier this month at Auchmuty High School.

Lesley Caldwell, Head of Community Engagement and Social Responsibility at the University of St Andrews, expressed her enthusiasm for the Fund’s continued impact. She said:  “We are incredibly proud to be entering the fifth year of the University Community Fund. Over the past four years, we have supported a wide variety of projects that have made a real impact on people’s lives across Fife—whether through environmental initiatives, youth sports, or vital community services. The Fund is a reflection of the University’s commitment to the communities in which we live and work, and we look forward to continuing to build strong partnerships with local organisations.”

To find out more and apply for funding, visit the University of St Andrews Community Fund webpage. For further information, email [email protected]