April 2026 Board Awards
Andrew Carnegie House from the air
Supporting Local Innovation and Opportunity and Investing in Cultural and Community Wellbeing
At their latest board meeting on the 30th April 2026, the Trustees approved an increase to the Special Activity Funding (SAF) limit, raising it to £315. This fund supports pupils who receive free school meals, to attend their primary seven residential trip.
A number of grant applications were considered, with several projects receiving support for their positive impact on the community:
Aero Space Scientific Educational Trust was awarded a £5,000 grant to deliver a five-day mobile planetarium programme across Dunfermline’s five high schools. ASSET, which engaged nearly 20,000 participants across Scotland in 2025, focuses on inspiring young people - particularly those from disadvantaged communities - to explore STEM subjects. In partnership with Developing the Young Workforce, the immersive, fully accessible 360° sessions will highlight Scotland’s growing space industry and related career opportunities. Building on the success of similar programmes in other regions, the initiative aims to encourage pupils to consider future careers in STEM.
Afro Caribbean Summer Festival - Trustees approved £3,500 to support TMAS Community CIC to deliver the Afro-Caribbean Summer Festival 2026; a free, family-friendly event in Dunfermline celebrating cultural diversity and community connection. The organisation works to empower underrepresented communities, particularly those of African and Caribbean heritage in Fife, through inclusive activities that promote wellbeing and reduce isolation. Funding will contribute to essential costs such as equipment, accessibility, safety, performers and community activities, ensuring the event remains free and accessible to all, particularly those facing financial barriers. The festival will bring people together through music, arts and shared cultural experiences, while also creating opportunities for local traders, creatives and volunteers, helping to strengthen community cohesion and foster a sense of pride across the city.
Outwith Festival Outwith Festival has been awarded £5,000 to support the delivery of its 2026 programme, a five-day, volunteer-led arts and cultural festival in Dunfermline. The festival is dedicated to making arts and culture accessible to all, offering a wide range of low-cost and free events including performances, workshops, and opportunities for emerging artists. Attracting over 2,500 attendees in 2025, the festival plays an important role in strengthening community connections, reducing social isolation, and supporting local creative talent. The funding will contribute towards artist fees, workshops, production and marketing, helping ensure the festival remains inclusive and continues its progress towards long-term financial sustainability.
Dunfermline Northern Bowling Club was awarded £3,500 towards the replacement of a bowling green mower, helping to secure the long-term sustainability of the club. A long-standing community hub, the club provides opportunities for sport, social connection and wellbeing, including a weekly “Winter Warmer Hub” that supports local residents facing isolation. With a strong focus on engaging younger players and growing membership, the club is working towards becoming fully self-sufficient in maintaining its facilities. The funding will help create a safe, welcoming environment for members and the wider community, ensuring the club can continue to thrive as it approaches its 175th anniversary.
Through these decisions, the Trustees continue to prioritise initiatives that foster opportunity, celebrate cultural diversity and support community wellbeing across the city.