One Council Partnership Fund 2026/27 – Webinar Summary and Application Support
Thank you to everyone who joined our recent webinar on the One Council Partnership Fund (OCPF) for 2026/27. We appreciate your time and commitment to supporting communities across East Lothian.
This year’s application window is shorter than usual, so we’ve compiled a full summary of the session to help guide applicants. Below you'll find key dates, funding priorities, eligibility criteria, and details of the support available.
Application Window
Opens: 1 September 2025
Closes: 30 September 2025
Funding decisions will be made in time to support activity from April 2026.
Funding Priorities
Projects must support at least one of the following:
Tackling inequalities and poverty (including health inequalities)
Reducing social isolation for vulnerable children, young people, and adults
Supporting prevention and early intervention across all age groups
Expanding youth work opportunities
Responding to the Climate Emergency
Promoting volunteering
Funding Approach
No set minimum or maximum award – decisions are based on project strength and budget availability.
Match funding is encouraged.
Overheads and management costs are eligible if proportionate and clearly explained.
Applications are strengthened by a commitment to Fair Work First, including payment of the Real Living Wage.
Evidence of Need
Strong applications combine:
Quantitative data: East Lothian by Numbers, SIMD, NOMIS, Census, public health profiles
Qualitative evidence: lived experience, case studies, consultation findings
If statistical data is limited, clear local stories and defined outcomes can still demonstrate impact.
Eligibility
Open to community-based organisations operating in East Lothian.
No turnover cap, but projects must align with the Fund’s priorities.
Applications should focus on specific projects or initiatives (not general running costs).
Support Available from VCEL
Application Review: Light-touch feedback on draft applications (48–72 hour turnaround).
Data & Evidence: Signposting to local statistics and thematic evidence packs.
SIGNAL Scotland: A real-time needs and outcomes tool to strengthen bids and demonstrate impact. Contact VCEL for onboarding support.
Webinar Resources
Useful Resources
Feedback Welcome
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the webinar and the application process. Your feedback will help shape future funding rounds and ensure the Fund continues to meet the needs of East Lothian’s third sector.
Thank you for your ongoing work to build a fairer, healthier, and more resilient East Lothian. We look forward to receiving your applications.
