Young people can apply for a small, flexible bursary of up to £300, for everyday financial essentials. This could be anything from digital access to covering energy costs to items related to wellbeing, education and travel. Importantly, every applicant, whether successful or not, will have the opportunity to take part in a Money Ready financial education programme.
Gemma Orr, Area Manager for Scotland, Northern Ireland and North England, Money Ready, said:
“If young people can justify it, we will consider reasonable requests for other items too. This is an essential part of the programme. At Money Ready, we believe every bursary, and every financial product, should be paired with financial education to make sure the recipient knows how to make sense of their money and make smart financial decisions. Understanding money equips young people to develop healthy financial habits, make confident choices and contribute to their own financial stability as well as the wider economy.
“The Edinburgh Wee Bursary reflects Money Ready’s dedication to financial empowerment and community inclusion, ensuring that young people – whatever their background or circumstances – have the opportunity to build essential money management skills that will help them flourish.”
At Money Ready, we believe every bursary, and every financial product, should be paired with financial education to make sure the recipient knows how to make sense of their money and make smart financial decisions.Gemma Orr, Area Manager for Scotland, Northern Ireland and North England, Money Ready
Commenting on The Wee Bursary, Marcella Boyle, CEO of the Hymans Robertson Foundation, said:
“With our co-funders, we are delighted to support The Wee Bursary in Edinburgh. We support similar bursaries in Glasgow and Birmingham and have seen the impact of direct funding in young people’s lives. We have supported bursaries since October 2020 and are proud that we have been joined by other funders in key UK cities.”
List of referral partners
The list of partners is growing, but as of April 2026 includes:
- City of Edinburgh Council
- Scottish Huntington’s Association
- Barnardo’s
- Citadel Youth Centre
- Spartans
- Street Soccer
- Wheatley Foundation