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Grants are being invited from community groups, charities and cooperatives throughout Aberdeenshire (excluding the Cairngorms area) and can fund specific activities aimed at benefitting rural communities in the region.   Applications will be assessed and approved by the Aberdeenshire Local Action Group (LAG), a cross-sector partnership which represents rural communities throughout Aberdeenshire.Grants will be targeted towards capital expenditure which can be delivered before 28th February 2026 and supports one or more of the following priorities:- An inclusive and connected Aberdeenshire – Enabling better connections within and across rural Aberdeenshire Communities - Accountable and Fair Aberdeenshire – Ensuring no one community is left behind or exposed to the devastating effects of inequality and poverty. - Sustainability of Places and Planet - Achieving a just transition to net zero through reducing emissions and regenerating the local environment 

The trust supports the relief of poverty, aid for the aged, the infirm and handicapped, the advancement of education, the provision of recreational facilities and the preservation of buildings or other items of national or historic interest. The Trustees also tend to favour capital projects rather than running costs. Categories of funding include: - child and adult welfare- environment and conservation- animal welfare- medical research and support- research and education- international welfare- arts

Shell provide community grants to groups which operate near their sites in Fife (near Mossmorran), Aberdeenshire (near St Fergus), Bacton, and Aberdeen city. These are provided both for ongoing community projects and for sponsorship of community events.Community groups can apply for a minimum of £500 and a maximum of £1,000 to fund projects that align with one or more of the key criteria:- Improving employment opportunities, training and skills delivery or increasing participation in education- Engaging people in positive activities that may not usually be available to them- Community events or projects that increase community participation or access- Enhancing community spaces- Promoting health and well-being or safety

The trust favours organisations involved with the performing arts, particularly if children and young people are involved and also if the disabled are involved. They also favour organisations set up to further the visual arts and museums. They support small medical charities and environmental charities including support of the built environment. Funding is given under the main headings of health, education, youth work, religion and relief of poverty.

Fife Charities Trust is Fife Council’s employee charity group and operate a grants scheme on behalf of the Fife Lottery Organisation. This raises funds for charitable and community groups through the Fife Council Employee Lottery. The types of project they favour are: - Projects for the welfare and benefit of disadvantaged residents of Fife- Projects including the purchase of equipment or materials which are essential to allow an existing group to continue or extend the activities or services that group can provide to the community- The purchase of equipment or materials that will allow the group to raise additional funds for themselves- New Groups which need essential equipment to begin operating- Projects which will benefit the local environment.

Supports community and charitable projects in Brora, Golspie, Helmsdale and Rogart Community Council areas. Grants are available to legally-constituted community groups, non-profit organisations and registered charities supporting activities which:- Support charitable activities that will develop the area's assets (natural, environmental, physical, culture and heritage, economic and social)- Build the sustainability of the local communities as vibrant places to live, work and visit

Every two years, Edinburgh Airport staff select a different charity to help raise funds and awareness for their cause. They are looking to support a local charity that makes a big difference in the communities they serve day in day out.They are particularly keen to hear from charities who can support the commitment to the four pillars of the airport sustainability strategy:- Zero Carbon: charities who are fighting against climate change.- Enhancing Scotland: charities who play their part in managing environmental impacts such as waste, recycling etc.- Scotland’s Best Business: charities who support people into employment or provide wellbeing initiatives in communities.- Trusted Neighbour: charities who carry out essential and vital work in our local communities.

Soirbheas provide grants mostly funded by the Corrimony windfarm. The Tier 2 & 3 funding the objectives are: - improving the energy efficiency of the housing within our communities- strengthening the local economy by encouraging new businesses and encouraging employment and training opportunities; protecting our environment for future generations- improving the quality of life of the elderly and vulnerable, including young people, within our communities. The beneficiaries of projects must be resident in the Glen Urquhart or Strathglass Community Council areas.

The AEB Charitable Trust presently makes grant to charities in support of the following:- the promotion of interests of wildlife, ecology and nature- the advancement of health, in particular, research into and treatment of Alzheimer's and the care of the confused elderly- the support of museums and galleries, music and the arts in Scotland- assistance to the infirm, the emergency services, disabled and retired members of the Armed Forces.The Trustees favour causes in the Lothian and Borders regions of Scotland and are unlikely to entertain applications which fall outside the four main areas of support.

The Shetland Local Action Group (LAG) will focus on project delivery, supporting activities that will contribute positively to local people and local priorities and helping rural communities to thrive through community-led initiatives. They understand that 60% of emission reductions to meet net zero targets needs to come from social change. Shetland communities therefore have a key role to play as part of that wider public engagement strategy and in the creation of sustainable communities. The main focus for activity will aim to support sustainable projects which can be reflected within the following four priority areas:- Helping families and services through the cost of living crises, including helping to address the drivers of child poverty- Increasing community capacity to address rural challenge- Transforming the economy to deliver net zero and- Creating sustainable public servicesThe Programme will only support projects which can be completed, with grant awarded fully claimed by 27 February 2026.