University Funding Strengthens Fife Communities

Communities across Fife have benefitted from over £300,000 of funding from the University of St Andrews helping them through the cost-of-living crisis.

Over the past five years, the University’s Community Fund (UCF) has supported a range of projects – many of them providing vital frontline services in their local areas.

Since its launch in 2019, the Community Fund has awarded more than £300,000 to local organisations and projects, supporting a wide range of initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusion, culture and community wellbeing, reflecting the University’s deep commitment to civic responsibility and partnership.

Originally established in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Community Fund has since played a vital role in helping communities respond not only to the pandemic but also to the cost-of-living and energy crises, while also supporting longer-term sustainability measures.

In its fifth year, the Community Fund has now awarded its second and final allocation for the current funding cycle. Among the successful applicants was the Fife Arctic Foxes Ice Hockey Club, which received over £2600 for its Levelling the Ice programme. Established in January 2025, the club provides a rare and inclusive pathway into a traditionally male-dominated sport. Open to women and girls of all ages and abilities, from beginners learning the basics to experienced players returning to the ice, the Arctic Foxes has quickly become an empowering space in Fife and the wider Scottish context. The intergenerational nature of its membership fosters community, mentorship and encouragement. The funding will go towards equipment and kit, helping the club to build an inclusive sporting environment and contribute to Kirkcaldy’s rich sporting heritage.

The Fife Beekeepers Association, based in Newton of Balcormo, Anstruther, was awarded £2000 towards its Honey House project. The teaching apiary will allow the group to deliver hands-on education in beekeeping, from hive to jar. Hosting schools and community groups, the association will provide training in extracting, jarring and selling honey, as well as producing wax products.

Wormit Boating Club received £780 to support its Chat, Coffee and Cake sessions alongside its Community Fridge initiative. A recent community survey revealed concerns about loneliness among residents, particularly those whose family and friends no longer live nearby. The funding will help create a welcoming space for people to connect over refreshments and to access the Community Fridge if needed. The group will run a 12-week pilot to assess the impact of the project before considering further interventions.

Niall Scott, Vice-Principal (Communications) and member of the funding panel, said: “The University of St Andrews is acutely aware of its responsibility to the Fife community, providing employment, training, cultural, and learning opportunities. By providing modest support, the University can help ensure local organisations deliver meaningful change in their communities, communities in which our students and staff live, our widening access team works, and our academic staff run outreach events.”

To find out more about the fund any announcements on future rounds, visit the University of St Andrews Community Fund webpage. For further information, email [email protected]