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Apply For Funding

From the everyday to the transformational, we work in partnership to support you to excel for everyone who accesses or delivers NHS Lothian services; patients, their families, staff or communities.

We support colleagues across NHS Lothian to help improve the care and experience of patients in our hospitals and local communities, enable innovation, and support initiatives that enhance wellbeing and develop the careers of NHS Lothian staff.

We have a number of grant programmes available that NHS Lothian staff can apply to. You can find out more about different funding options by following the links below:

Funding Options

Specific and Ward Funds

Every year we support colleagues across NHS Lothian to to improve the care and experience patients receive in our hospitals […]
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Small Grants

Sometimes the smallest change can make the biggest difference to a patient’s experience; maybe a relaxing waiting area, specialist equipment, […]

Climate Challenge Grants

Our Climate Challenge Grants will support you to take forward projects in your department, ward or area that put green […]
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The Elsie Inglis Staff Development Award

The Elsie Inglis Staff Development Award, often called ‘The Elsies’, is a charitable fund which seeks to support individual NHS […]

From time to time, other grant programmes may become available and will be listed here so please check back regularly for the most up to date information.

Frequently asked questions

  • A Fund Steward can authorise expenditure from a fund if it is for an item or service that costs under £5,000
  • All the usual procurement and H&S policies and procedures apply
  • The item or service must meet the Fund’s purpose and the Charity’s funding rules
  • If unsure about who the Fund Steward is, a Fund’s purpose or the Charity’s rules contact: [email protected]

  • Think about what would make a difference
  • Complete a ‘Funding request – £5k and over’ form (request from [email protected])
  • Fund Steward endorses the application by signing the form
  • Service/site management endorses the application by signing the form
  • Send form to NHS Lothian Charity
  • Charity assesses and scores
  • Funding released if approved

Once the Fund Steward has authorised spend:

  • Place an order through the NHS Lothian Charity PECOS, via travel team or petty cash
  • Order checked by Charity Finance Team
  • Order approved by NHS Lothian Charity
  • Items arrive, travel booked or petty cash released
  • Project started, NHS Lothian Charity recognised for funding where possible
  • Brief evaluation required

Please note that the Charity might contact you to do a case study on the project to share with supporters.

Alternatives are available if there is no fund or insufficient money in a fund.

  • Elsie Inglis Fund – for staff development, training and learning
  • Staff Wellbeing Microgrants – for staff wellbeing activities and items
  • Small Grants – for items or activities with benefits for patients.

Contact us about your idea and we can help work out the best route to get it funded: [email protected]

Still got questions?

How teams have used charitable funding to support patients

Enhancing the Patient Experience at East Lothian Community Hospital

East Lothian Community Hospital holds a special place in the hearts of our community, providing vital care and support to […]

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Making a difference for children living with cancer

A special trip was organised for young people aged 13 to 18, who are undergoing treatment for cancer at the […]

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Creating Spaces for Staff to Rest, Relax and Recharge

We are delighted to have supported teams across the whole of NHS Lothian to create calm and comforting wellbeing spaces […]

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Providing comforts for families when they need it most

Within the Oncology department, we have supported NHS Lothian staff to establish a sanctuary for families navigating a terminal illness […]

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