North Berwick Trust Ltd announces that the forthcoming Autumn 2025 Forever Fund grants round will be limited to applications demonstrating an urgent funding need. This applies to both the Community Fund and the Young Person’s Scholarship.
This temporary adjustment reflects the Trust’s decision to prioritise major investment in its landholdings and other long-term community benefits. Recent commitments include:
- Ongoing landscaping works at Royal Burgh Park totalling £213,000, adjacent to the new North Berwick Community Pumptrack.
- The Trust’s largest capital grant to date – a £2 million match-funded award to North Berwick Harbour Trust to support vital improvements at the historic harbour.
- A £160,000 grant in 2024 for urgent harbour wall repairs following storm damage.
- An initial £100,000 capital grant in 2022 to NB Heritage for the restoration of St Andrews Kirk Port, subject to further external fundraising.
- Pre-committed three-year funding agreements with six key community organisations, including North Berwick Youth Project and Fringe by the Sea, totalling £120,000 annually.
Despite these major commitments, the Trust remains focused on addressing immediate community needs and over £124,000 has already been awarded this year in community grants in the spring 2025 round.
Not-for-profit organisations and individuals in North Berwick experiencing urgent financial challenges are invited to apply. To check eligibility, please contact the Trust’s Grants Manager at [email protected].
- Applications open: Wednesday 27th August 2025
- Applications close: Wednesday 8th October 2025
- Available funding: Up to £32,000 for community projects and individuals in need, and up to £10,000 for Young Person’s Scholarship applicants.
North Berwick Trust Ltd reaffirms its commitment to supporting projects and initiatives that deliver lasting benefits for the town and its people. “While this autumn’s round is limited, the Forever Fund will fully re-open for applications in spring 2026, reflecting the Trust’s continued enthusiasm for enabling and supporting community-led projects and individuals through grant funding,” said Trustee and Grants Group Chair, Jane McMinn.
