However, this time last year, Gorgie City Farm was facing imminent closure. The situation was bleak and yet it rose from the ashes and is flourishing today. How is this possible? Through inspiring leadership and clever fundraising which harnessed the power of the people. Support from people all across Edinburgh was instrumental in saving the farm and leading the fundraising charge was Josiah Lockhart, General Manager.

Josiah joined the Gorgie City Farm team at the start of 2016. His task was to make the organization more sustainable. However, it quickly became clear to him that his task would be to save the farm!

The historic funding model for the farm was not working – running costs were rising whilst support from funders was decreasing. The farm had used its reserves and by early 2016 had shown itself to be unsustainable.

Josiah had a huge task ahead of him. He energised the small team at the farm, asking everyone for their ideas and input. The team pulled together and inspired by Josiah, rallied. The team then sought input from the local community and together, on the 25th April, launched a major appeal to save the farm. They had to raise £100,000 in 6 months to keep the farm from closing. What transpired is incredible. In less than 6 weeks, the full £100,000 had been raised!

The money was made up of many small donations from the people of Edinburgh – from piggy banks and cakes sales - showing the reach the campaign had and how people were inspired to give anything they could to help. A young boy did a sponsored silence for 3 hours and raised £415.00. A little girl did a sponsored bike ride – her first bike ride without stabilisers - and raised £209.57. There are many touching accounts of how the people of Edinburgh did whatever they could to save their farm.

Gorgie City Farm is now in a much happier position. It not only sustainable - it is growing! Josiah and his team are expanding the activities the community have shown to need and want. Their education provision is set to double and they are also increasing their work with vulnerable adults, opening in the evenings and school holidays, providing meeting space for the community and planning to expand their pet boarding employability project. They are, in summary, thriving!

Josiah Lockhart used his experience and passion to garner massive support and transform Gorgie City Farm and the community it serves. You can hear Josiah speak about the Save Our Farm campaign at the Institute of Fundraising’s, Scottish Fundraising Conference.