Funding
Community groups operating across Aberdeenshire are welcome to request a funding search to be carried out by our Funding Officer, Donna Speed, email: donna.speed@avashire.org.uk or call 03718 110008.
AVA distributes a newsletter every month containing up-to-date funding information - read our newsletters here. You can also use our Community Toolkit to search for funding on our website - it's a great tool for searching for funding.
Watch the Institute of Fundraising videos at the bottom of this page and visit their website for an Introduction to Fundraising.
Download the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) Essentials for Fundraising Organisations guidance here. On 25th May 2018 the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into effect in the UK. This will replace the current Data Protection Act and introduce new and different requirements for all sectors and organisations. To help fundraisers understand the key parts of GDPR in relation to direct marketing and how you can lawfully contact your supporters, this guidance has been produced by the Institutue of Fundraising in partnership with Bircham Dyson Bell to take you through the main questions.
Visit the Scottish Fundraising Standards Panel website here.
Funding opportunities:
The Year of Young People National Lottery Fund offers £3,000-£10,000. The fund supports projects that focus on young people’s health and wellbeing. Deadlines are 30th April and 18th June 2018.
The Scotch Whisky Action Fund offers up to £25,000 to groups and organisations that wish to reduce the impact of alcohol-related harm in Scotland's communities. Deadline is 29th June. https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/programmes/scotch-whisky-action-fund.aspx
The Stafford Trust offers funding of £500 - £5,000 to registered charities. http://www.staffordtrust.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant/
The window for new applications for the Spring 2018 meeting will close on 30th June 2018.
Mid Hill Wind Farm Banchory Community Fund is open for applications. Deadlines is 14 September.
http://www.marrareapartnership.org.uk/…/Banchory-Community-…
You do not need to be a registered charity to apply however you must be able to demonstrate that your project offers a benefit to the community.
The Mickel Fund supports the advancement of education, the prevention or relief of poverty, the advancement of health and the saving of lives, the advancement of the arts, heritage, culture & science, and the advancement of public participation in sports. Trustees meet in Spring and Autumn to review applications. http://mickelfund.org.uk/application-process/what-we-fund/
The Foyle Foundation offers small grants of between £1,000 and £10,000. Grants are offered for core costs, equipment or project funding to charities which can show that such a grant will make a significant difference to their work. http://www.foylefoundation.org.uk/small-grants-scheme/
Foundation Scotland offers a number of funding awards, made up of money from the many different funds they distribute on behalf of companies, individuals, charitable trusts and community benefit funds. They also offer express grants. Check them out on: https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/grants-and-funding…/…/
Growing a Greener Britain offers funding to constituted community groups of up to £1,000 to transform green spaces. https://www.growingagreenerbritain.org/small-grant-program…/
Did you know 2018 is the Year of Young People? More information is available at: http://www.eventscotland.org/fun…/year-of-young-people-2018/
For further funding information please see: http://yoyp2018.scot/get-involved
There are some great funding ideas on the Youth Link Scotland funding directory: https://www.youthlinkscotland.org/funding/funding-directory/
The Keith Builders Community charity was set up to provide financial support to aid local charities, groups, organisations and projects. http://www.keithbuilders.co.uk/content/charity-0
If you are fundraising or have a deserving cause please email: jan.mackie@wpeters.co.uk
Easyfundraising: collect free donations every time you shop online the easyfundraising way. https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/
It doesn't cost you a penny extra. When you shop the easyfundraising way with one of our 3,249 shops and sites they give us a commission for your purchase. We turn that into a donation and give it to your good cause. Easy!
The ​Community Engagement Fund run by Scottish Natural Heritage is giving organisations an opportunity to apply for funding for projects helping communities make the most of their local greenspaces.
https://www.greeninfrastructurescotland.org.uk/news/community-engagement-fund-reopen
Millions of LEADER Grant Funding still available as inspiring Aberdeenshire project selected for National Showcase
An inspiring LEADER-funded project from Aberdeenshire has been chosen to be a showcase for Community Led Local Development in Scotland. Social Enterprise Boyndie Trust on the Banffshire Coast is featured in a case-study and short film, published on the Scottish Rural Development Website. Projects are urged to come forward to access the fund, as millions are still available in North East Scotland.
The North Aberdeenshire Local Action Group have been allocated £3.3m of LEADER funding from the Scottish Government and the EU. The group, NALAG for short, can use this to provide grant support to inspiring and innovative projects in Banff and Buchan, Buchan and Formartine. Launched in November 2015, the programme is underspent and looking for projects to come forward. Information on the North Aberdeenshire LEADER programme can be found at www.nalag.org.uk, or contact nalag@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, 01467 534465. The Boyndie Trust case study can be found at https://www.ruralnetwork.scot/case-studies.
Growing A Greener Britain: Small Grants Programme
This fund wants to help communities to grow a greener Britain by supporting them to transform green spaces. We know that there are many people across the UK who have fantastic, creative and innovative ideas that could help to improve their local spaces. This small grant fund is designed to help turn these ideas into reality! Any constituted community group is invited to apply. Please remember that due to limited funding projects of a value of up to £1,000 can only be supported and that not every project can be rewarded. Open all year round. For more information, visit: https://www.growingagreenerbritain.org/small-grant-programme/
Funding for a 'Fairer Scotland'
£29 million worth of funding for community and third sector projects is available to help support the Fairer Scotland Action Plan, published in October 2016. £12 million of the funding comes from the European Social Fund.
The Scottish Government will direct £18.9 million into a new 'Aspiring Communities Fund' which offers funding opportunities for third sector organisations and community projects working to find long lasting local solutions to poverty. A further £9.7 million will be dedicated to the 'Growing the Social Economy Programme', which will enable third sector organisations to try new ideas and approaches by collaborating with research organisations or supporting people to improve their skills. Full information about the funds can be found here: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/People/15300/ESFTPSI.
Jo Walters £1,000 Maths Grants area available to fund ideas to inspire your students, raise attainment and promote a love of Maths. http://www.jowalterstrust.org.uk/grant-awards/2017-grant-awards/157-2017-maths-grant.html
Cairngorms National Park travel grant
The scheme is now open to all schools in Scotland and voluntary groups who experience disadvantage, to make educational trips to the Cairngorms National Park. Grants of up to £200 or 75% of travel costs are available to cover the costs of transport, which is known to be a key barrier to these groups visiting the Park. Priority will be given to applications from schools and groups from areas of social deprivation, those who have not visited the Park before and groups who support people with disabilities, young people, ethnic minorities and those who experience economic disadvantage or health inequality. To find out more and download an application form, please visit http://cairngorms.co.uk/park-authority/funding/travel-grant-scheme/
Zero Waste Scotland Resource Efficiency Waste Prevention Implementation Fund is open. http://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/…/resource-efficiency-w…
You must be a registered small or medium sized enterprise, a registered 3rd sector organisation or a Community Interest Company. Up to 100% of capital costs are avaiable between £5k - £100k. The fund has been designed to help organisations overcome waste prevention barriers to undertake a particular project with a focus on raw materials savings, carbon savings and the movement of waste material up the waste hierarchy. It is important that projects demonstrate added value.
CashBack for Communities Youth Work Fund is now open. https://www.youthlinkscotland.org/…/cashback-for-communiti…/
They welcome proposals for the delivery of targeted youth work activity programmes which provide diversionary youth work activities for young people aged 10 to 24, who face one or more forms of disadvantage.
Social Investment Scotland: Growth & Replication Challenge
The growth & replication challenge is a competitive opportunity that combines bespoke business support worth up to £10,000 with tailored financial backing. They’re looking for established charities or social enterprises who have developed strategies for growth or replication, are looking for investment between £100k and £1m and need help to make that happen in 2017. For more information, visit: http://www.socialinvestmentscotland.com/looking-for-investment/
The Swire Charitable Trust offers funding for community and social welfare, education and training, and heritage. https://www.swirecharitabletrust.org.uk/our-work/…
The Swire Charitable Trust’s aim is to help deliver positive and lasting change to UK society.
The Environment Now Fund offers up to £10,000 to those aged between 17 and 24 with an idea to help the environment, such as improving energy efficiency, reducing waste or increasing recycling. http://www.o2thinkbig.co.uk/the-environment-now
St James's Place Foundation offers up to £10,000 funding for UK registered charities supporting Young People with Special Needs, Supporting Disadvantaged Young People, Supporting People with Cancer. There are no deadlines. http://www.sjpfoundation.co.uk/apply-for-funding.aspx
Let’s play with MyParkScotland
We want our parks to be alive with the sound of play! With all the talk of an increasingly inactive society, there is no better place to play - no matter what your age - than in parks and green spaces across Scotland. On 21st March, MyParkScotland launched the second crowdfund campaign theme for 2017: the focus is on projects promoting and enhancing outdoor play in your park. Eight projects are currently part of the Let’s Play theme and they are looking for your support to help them fund their playful projects. They include bike trails, playpark improvements, outdoor gym and new play areas. If your group has a project that might suit the MyPark Scotland theme - have a look at their website to find out more and submit a proposal. Visit: https://www.mypark.scot/
Aberdeenshire Council have Social Enterprise Support Scheme Grants available of up to £10,000. https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/…/social-enterprise-suppo…/
The David Doig Foundation offers £2,000. https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/…/david-doig-foundat…/
Examples of projects the fund will consider (this is not an exhaustive list): •Provision of one to one coaching sessions for 5-11 year olds who are at risk of exclusion due to behavioural issues •Provision of a series of taster sessions aimed at young mothers in order to build skills, confidence to access higher education or return to work... •Provision of outward bound education courses to a group of 12-18 year olds currently excluded from mainstream education •Supporting the cost of a homework club for children and young people aged 5-18 years old affected by HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV).
National Lottery Awards for All offers funding from £300 to £10,000 to support what matters to people and communities.
https://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/…/scotland/awards-for-all…
Big Lottery Young Start funding is open for applications. https://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/youngstartfund
£10,000-£50,000 is available to create opportunities for children and young people aged between 8 and 24 to help them realise their potential.
Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland becomes the Corra Foundation
Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland has become known as the Corra Foundation. Alongside the announcement of its new name and brand, the organisation has published the next iteration of its strategy, Change for Good.
Corra Foundation Chief Executive, Fiona Duncan said:
“We are delighted to share the next iteration of our strategy, along with a name and brand that connect with our roots, whilst providing our foundations for the future. Between now and 2019 Change for Good will see us build on our aspirations to be the best grant maker we can be, get alongside communities – including those we don’t historically reach – and use our 30 years+ grantmaking experience to support others. Within all of this we will seek to go further, be bolder and above all to make partnership an underpinning principle of our approach. We are hugely excited as we look forward to working with the many others who share the Corra Foundation’s passion for tackling some of the biggest challenges so that people are able to create positive change and enjoy fulfilling lives.”
More information, including Fiona Duncan’s blog can be found at www.corra.scot or via Twitter @corra.scot, or by contacting hello@corra.scot
Weir Charitable Trust has a deadline of 31 August 2018. http://weircharitabletrust.com/what-we-fund
The average grant is typically around £3,500, although applications for larger amounts will be considered, and is intended for small groups who are struggling to secure funding for their activities from mainstream sources. To be eligible, proposals must address one of the following areas: health, sport, culture, recreational facilities and animal welfare.
The Robertson Trust
A total of £2,633,500 was awarded to 84 organisations across Scotland at The Robertson Trust's latest Giving Committee. 8 were made in Aberdeenshire totalling £106,065 - view these here: https://readymag.com/u80301581/841668/aberdeenshire/
Find out more about the Robertson Trust, what they fund and how to apply here: http://www.therobertsontrust.org.uk/
Aberdeen Asset Management Charitable Foundation concentrates on two main areas for grants: local communities and emerging markets. https://www.youthlinkscotland.org/…/aberdeen-asset-managem…/
There are no deadlines and applications can be made at any time.
The Princes Trust Development Award offers funding to train, learn or help get a job for 14-25 year olds. https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/he…/get-funding-train-learn
The award can cover costs up to £500; tools or equipment for a job or qualification e.g. hairdressing kit, carpentry tools, chef whites; course fees; interview clothes; license fees e.g. CSCS card (construction) or SIA license (security); childcare costs to help single parents access short term education; tansport to a new job until first pay cheque.
The Coram Trust offers funding between £500 and £2,000. https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/prog…/the-coram-trust/
Priority is given to activities that have a focus on particular communities in Scotland and are registered charities, social enterprises, community interest companies and/or other charitable entities providing social impact that do one or more of the following: support rural regeneration as part of a community development project and have a housing component that supports the local community where the regeneration project is taking place. Projects involving community ownership in rural areas are likely to be given the highest priority.
Life Changes Trust offers funding programmes for people affected by dementia and care experienced young people. http://www.lifechangestrust.org.uk/trust-funding
They are looking for projects and initiatives that will make the biggest difference to the quality of life, well-being, inclusion and empowerment of those affected by dementia.
The Life Changes Trust make sure that they hear from and involve care experienced young people themselves, taking into account their thoughts, opinions and experiences. They will also take advice from those working alongside care experienced young people and those with experience in other relevant areas.
The Crerar Trust gives back to local communities to improve the quality of everyday lives. http://www.crerarhotels.com/crerar-trust
The board of trustees welcome applications from charities and communities in and around where Crerar Hotels are located, if you would like more information on the application process or wish to request an application form, please email: trust@crerarhotels.com.
The Deeside Inn and Thainstone House Hotel are part of The Crerar Hotel Group.
Life After Stroke Grants are available from the Stroke Association. https://www.stroke.org.uk/finding-…/life-after-stroke-grants
Life After Stroke Grants provide a one off payment of up to £300 to fund vital home or personal equipment, or by funding support to become active in your community.
The South Marr Community Safety Group has funding available for community groups for projects that aim to improve safety in their community. http://www.aberdeenshirecommunitysafety.org.uk/c…/smarr.html
Grants of up to £250 are available. Previous projects that were funded have been fire safety checks, youth projects, cycle safety kit and Pass Plus lessons.
To apply contact: southmarr@aberdeenshirecommunitysafety.org.uk
The Royal Bank of Scotland is making £280,000 available across Scotland through their Skills & Opportunities Fund. http://skillsandopportunitiesfund.rbs.com/
RBS want to help build better communities for everyone. To achieve that aim, we’re seeking projects that will enable people in disadvantaged communities develop, create or access the skills and opportunities they need to build their financial capability skills or to start or develop a new business now or in the future.
Community Transport Funds
Groups and organisations interested in setting up a new community transport service, or existing groups who require funding to set up a new service/purchase equipment not already fully grant funded are invited to apply to Aberdeenshire Council for a one-off small grant of up to £3,000 to assist with up to 75% of the project costs. Applications can be made until 1 February 2019 and will be considered on their individual merits and awarded subject to the overall budget allocation. Grants must be spent in the financial year in which they are awarded. If you think your group may benefit from this please contact Heather or Marion in the Passenger Transport Unit on 01467 539084 to discuss their project.
Tesco Bags of Help funds 225 projects in Scotland every 2 months.
You can apply now for up to £4,000 for projects that bring benefits to the community. This includes outdoor or indoor improvements, activities and equipment purchases. https://www.groundwork.org.uk/sites/tescocommunityscheme
Northsound Cash For Kids funds both individuals and community groups. https://planetradio.co.uk/northsound/charity/info/grants-9/
Cash for Kids will award grants to children who are 0 to 18 years old, who are sick, disabled, disadvantaged or suffering from abuse or neglect. The applicants must reside in the Northsound radio transmission area. Applications must be submitted on or before the deadlines - 19th April, 19th July and 18th October.
National Churches Trust offers grants of up to £40,000. http://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/our-grants
From repairing a roof to helping to install an accessible toilet - and many other projects - their grants help people to continue to serve, and to serve better, their local communities.
The Peter Harrison Foundation offers funding through the Opportunities Through Sports programme. http://www.peterharrisonfoundation.org/opportunities-throug…
The Trustees wish to support sporting activity or projects which provide opportunities for people who are disabled or otherwise disadvantaged to fulfil their potential and to develop other personal and life skills.
Will Aid is a special partnership between the legal profession and nine UK charities. http://www.willaid.org.uk/will-aid-charities
Every November, participating solicitors waive their fee for writing a basic Will. Instead, they invite clients to make a voluntary donation to Will Aid.
Make your Will with a Will Aid solicitor and your donation has the power to change people’s lives in the UK and around the world. Include a legacy to charity in your Will and you will make even more of a difference.
The Rural and Islands Housing Funds (RIHF) can help you build new homes, change buildings into homes, make empty homes ready to rent or sell. https://www.mygov.scot/rural-housing-fund/overview/
The MacMillan Cancer Support offers four grant programmes. https://www.macmillan.org.uk/…/how-we-support-your-group.ht…
Start up, development, user involvement and individual development grants are available.
Cattanach Trust offers funding of £3,000-£25,000 per year. http://www.cattanach.org.uk/faq
You must be working with young children (under 3) and their parent/families, or with a parent/families expecting a baby in Scotland. Families experiencing deprivation or in crisis will be given priority. “Deprivation” can mean low income, poor housing, unemployment, isolation, disability or health problems, lack of family support, young parenthood, contact with the justice system, substance abuse, violence etc.
As well as this Main Grants programme, our Dads Fund is an additional funding stream for projects which focus on dads and young children.
Ofcom’s Community Radio Fund is open until 8th November. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/…/radio-broad…/community-radio-fund
Grants can range from about £2,000 to around £19,000 with an average grant of about £14,000. Grants will be made as a single lump sum and are to cover a one-year period only.
The funding is intended for community radio licensees broadcasting under a community radio licence in the UK to cover costs including:- fundraising to support the station, management, administration, financial management and reporting, community outreach and volunteer organisation and support.
British and Foreign School Society (BFSS) are accepting applications for 2018 Projects. https://www.bfss.org.uk/…/looked-after-children-and-young-…/
Applications will be considered from educational or training institutions which have UK charitable status or, in the case of schools, colleges, universities and churches, “exempt charity” status that need funding for education or training for children and young people up to the age of 25 years.
WREN’S FCC Scottish Action Fund is accepting applications. http://www.wren.org.uk/apply/fcc-scottish-action-fund
Grants of between £2,000 and £100,000 are available to a variety of not for profit organisations in Scotland, such as charities, community councils, church or community organisations and voluntary groups.
Categoires are: Land Reclamation, Community Recycling, Public Amenities and Parks, Biodiversity and Historic Buildings.
Turn2us is a national charity that helps people in financial hardship gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services. https://www.turn2us.org.uk/