Report

Heartsong Live – Ofcom Community Radio Fund Grant Report (Public Summary)

Written by Eloho Efemuai on 6th November 2025

Heartsong Live – Ofcom Community Radio Fund Grant Report (Public Summary)

Grant Period: September 2024 – July 2025

Licence Numbers: CDP104632BA/2 | DP104836BA/1

Overview

Heartsong Live received funding from Ofcom’s Community Radio Fund to strengthen our visibility, deepen engagement, and build long-term sustainability.

The grant supported a Business Strategist / Community Manager role focused on creating systems, expanding partnerships, and developing programmes that amplify community voices on-air and off-air.

How the Grant Was Used

The funded role enabled Heartsong Live to:

Conduct internal audits and feasibility studies to improve community strategy.
Pilot in-person interviews and local outreach across Leith, Fife and West Lothian.
Create a centralised operations handbook with processes for engagement, fundraising, and youth collaboration.
Develop a CSR-linked airtime model allowing local businesses to sponsor features supporting micro-enterprises.
Recruit and train five new volunteers and an intern, expanding operational capacity by 30%.
Collaborate with West Lothian Council during summer to pilot Media Makers Live, a youth broadcasting concept later funded by The National Lottery to train 30 young people in media and presentation skills.

Key Achievements

📘 Systems Strengthened: Operations handbook produced, formalising engagement and content workflows.
📡 Regional Reach Expanded: Heartsong Live grew its footprint in West Lothian and Fife through community interviews and partnerships.
💪 Volunteer Growth: Five new team members onboarded, increasing studio and outreach capacity.
🤝 Partnerships: Collaborations formed with the Scottish Bible Society, YoTU, and local social enterprises.
🎙️ Youth Engagement: Media Makers Live empowered 30 young people to explore broadcasting, confidence, and creativity.
💡 Innovation: A replicable fundraising model was developed through collaborative community events.

Social Gain and Community Impact

Over 30 interviews conducted across Leith, Fife and West Lothian, showcasing small businesses, social enterprises and local heroes.
New on-air features such as Community Spotlight and Prayer Groups strengthened listener connection.
Partnerships like West Lothian Drugs and Alcohol Service (WLDAS) raised awareness and inspired collaboration.
Blogs and social-media stories repurposed from interviews continue to generate long-term engagement.
Volunteers extended roles into outreach, administration and production.
Listener feedback described Heartsong Live as “a refreshing, authentic platform for local stories.”

Sustainability Snapshot

Formalised systems and clear internal processes for continuity.
Regional presence expanded across three Scottish areas.
Volunteer capacity increased 30%.
Fundraising and partnership models now in place.
Positive community feedback confirming trust and visibility.

Looking Ahead

Building on these achievements, Heartsong Live will:

✅ Develop CSR sponsorship packages to sustain community airtime.

✅ Expand Media Makers Live with West Lothian Council and The National Lottery.

✅ Invest in technical and editorial support to strengthen quality.

✅ Host an annual community event celebrating collaboration and storytelling through radio.

Community Stories & Links

Explore some of the interviews and features created through this journey:

Closing Note

The Ofcom Community Radio Fund grant enabled Heartsong Live to build stronger systems, empower volunteers, and deepen community impact.

By combining strategic planning with grass-roots engagement, we’ve laid a foundation for sustainable growth and continued storytelling across Scotland.