The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a charity and a Non Departmental Public Body (NDPB) sponsored and supported through Grant-in-Aid by the Scottish Government's Environment and Forestry Directorate (ENFOR). It is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by Scottish Ministers. The organisation is led by Regius Keeper Simon Milne.

The organisation comprises over 240 staff drawn from a variety of disciplines, contributing in many different ways to its overall objectives and functions. The Garden is organised into five areas: Science, Horticulture & Learning, Enterprise & Communication, Resources & Planning and Development with the Leadership Team supporting the Regius Keeper.

RBGE also has a legal status as an academic institution.

How we are financed

Scottish Government's Environment and Forestry Directorate (ENFOR) is our sponsor department and as such provides income as Grant-in-Aid. As a registered charity, we raise funds from trusts and foundations and from corporate supporters. In addition we rely on donations from the public and through membership fees. We generate trading income from the shops at the four Gardens; and obtain income from investments, education courses and admission charges at the Regional Gardens, events, publishing, exhibitions and other sources. We also raise income across several other sources including consultancy work and research and capital grants. For a detailed breakdown of our income, please read the 'How we are financed' information sheet.