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Buchan area funding

Find out about grants and funding available in the Buchan area:

Buchan Area Committee Grant Scheme 2025

All funding for this grant scheme has been allocated and the scheme is now closed for 2025/26.

Community groups in the Buchan area were invited to apply for funding towards projects to improve local communities.

Grants of up to £5,000 were available to constituted groups for community projects that can demonstrate wide community benefits.

Buchan Area Committee Small Grant Scheme 2025

All funding for this grant scheme has been allocated and the scheme is now closed for 2025/26.

We recognise that there are times when community groups may need a helping-hand to undertake a fairly small project. Funding of up to £500 was available for community projects.

Projects that are awarded funding need to be completed and copy of receipts/bank statements provided before the end of the financial year.

If you need further information or guidance please email the Buchan Area Manager’s Team at buchan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

Coastal Communities Buchan

A proportion of the income generated by Crown Estate Scotland is allocated annually to coastal local authorities including Aberdeenshire Council. Allocations are variable from year to year. Buchan Area Committee has agreed a commissioning strategy to target the distribution of this funding from 2022 to 2027.

In line with the council’s Crown Estate Scotland Framework, Buchan Area Committee has prioritised projects that:

  • Support the development of active travel routes along, to and from the coastline
  • Develop the coastal economy, workforce and sustainable tourism
  • Create or enhance community, leisure, and recreational facilities
  • Safeguard, restore, or enhance the coastal environment

Eligibility

Projects must be located within Buchan’s coastal zone, including settlements that border the zone. These are:

  • Boddam
  • Crimond
  • Cruden Bay
  • Longhaven
  • Peterhead
  • St Combs
  • St Fergus

You can view coastal zones information in the 2023 Local Development Plan.

How to apply

The Buchan Area Committee considers grant applications for community-led projects that meet the programme priorities and are located in an eligible area. Applications may be submitted at any time.

For the 2026–2027 financial year, priority projects are invited to apply by 18th March 2026, with funding decisions expected by the end of April 2026. If funding remains available after this date, applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Community groups with eligible projects are encouraged to email the Buchan Area Manager’s Team at buchan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk to discuss their project before applying.

View the Buchan Coastal Communities fund privacy notice (PDF 134KB) to find out what we do with your information. 

Small grants of up to £1,000

View and complete the Coastal Communities Buchan Small Grant criteria and application form, available in two formats:

Please email the completed form to buchan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

Standard grants of between £1,001 and £5,000

View the Coastal Communities Buchan Standard Grant criteria (PDF 322KB). Complete application form, available in two formats:

Please email the completed form to buchan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

Grants between £5,001 and £9,999 will be considered in exceptional cases only and projects must be featured in a community led plan, such as a Community Action Plan or Local Place Plan.

Applications for £10,000 or more: express your interest

In most cases, community led projects on this scale would be expected to consider applying to the Coastal Communities Challenge Fund.

For grants over £10,000, applicants to the Coastal Communities Buchan Fund must first complete an Expression of Interest (EOI). Groups with major projects are encouraged to contact the Buchan Area Manager’s Team in the first instance before submitting one.

Expressions of Interest can be submitted for consideration at any time and, if approved, applicants will be invited to apply for funding as it becomes available. If approved, the maximum grant award is £25,000.

Please read the expression of interest guidance (PDF 256KB) before submitting a form, available in to formats:

Please email the completed form to buchan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

Aberdeenshire Charities Trust

Aberdeenshire Charities Trust (ACT2) administers charitable funds in Aberdeenshire and is a registered charity (SC045539). There are designated funds available to the council wards in the Buchan area that can be used for purposes set out by the trust.

View information about charitable trust funds in Buchan:

Eligibility

Individuals that live in any of the areas specified in the trust or who can demonstrate that they have a reasonable connection to these areas can apply for funding. The maximum grant available to individuals is £500.

In addition, companies, associations and other organisations who provide services, projects or facilities in the areas may apply for grants of up to £1,000. 

Applications can only be considered if they meet the purposes detailed in the trust.

Available funds

View funds available as at 31st March 2025.

Our Buchan Area Committee accepts applications for some of the local council wards:

There are no designated Aberdeenshire Charities Trust funds for Ward 6 - Peterhead South and Cruden.

Ward 4 - Central Buchan (Fetterangus, Longside, Maud, Mintlaw, New Deer, New Pitsligo, Strichen and Stuartfield)

Fund purposes Total Fund Revenue Capital
The prevention or relief of poverty £2,287.92 £2,287.92 £0
The relief of those in need by reason of age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage

Ward 5 - Peterhead North and Rattray (Crimond, St Combs, St Fergus and Peterhead)

Fund purposes Total Fund Revenue Capital
The prevention or relief of poverty £742.78 £742.78 £0
The relief of those in need by reason of age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage

How to apply

You can apply for funding by completing the appropriate application form, available in two formats:

Send completed applications to the Buchan Area Office.

What happens next

The Buchan Area Committee will review your Aberdeenshire Charities Trust funding application. Find out about how we deal with your application.

Contact

If you have any questions please contact the Buchan Area Office.