2025-26 Rural Communities Challenge Fund launched
Aberdeenshire Local Action Group’s Rural Communities Challenge Fund 2025-26 is now live and open for applications for both revenue and capital projects.
The scheme delivers funding from the Scottish Government’s Rural Community Led Local Development programme.
Applications are being invited from community groups, public sector organisations, charities and co-operatives throughout Aberdeenshire (excluding the Cairngorms area) and can fund specific activities aimed at benefiting rural communities in the region.
Under a new approach this year, the funding is being split into two challenge funds, one for revenue and one for capital grants:
Revenue grants supporting new projects between £5,000 and £20,000 are available. The closing date for revenue applications is August 17th, 2025 and projects must be fully completed and draw down all RCCF grant funding by February 28th, 2026.
Capital grants supporting new projects between £10,000 and £49,999 are available. If planning permission and building warrants are not in place they must be approved by September 8th, 2025. Applications without permission by September 8th will not be put forward for the grant which will ensure projects are delivered by February 28th, 2026.
While a minimum contribution of 10% match funding is desirable but not essential, funding is being targeted towards activities or infrastructure which support one or more of the following priorities:
• Enabling better connections within an across rural Aberdeenshire Communities
• Ensuring no one community is left behind or exposed to the devastating effects of inequality and poverty
• Achieving a just transition to net zero through reducing emissions and regenerating the local environment
Submissions will be assessed and approved by the Aberdeenshire Local Action Group (LAG), a cross-sector partnership which represents rural communities throughout Aberdeenshire.
LAG chair John Loder said: “Following the successful outcomes of last year’s Rural Communities Challenge Fund, we are delighted to announce the launch of this new round of funding for our rural communities. Given the increasing need to sustain physical and social connectivity, reduce inequality and poverty, and support environmental regeneration in the transition towards net-zero, we look forward to supporting projects and programmes which will have a beneficial impact across Aberdeenshire.”
Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Alan Turner, added: “Once again we are delighted to welcome applications to the Rural Communities Challenge Fund which provides a tremendous opportunity for local groups, charities and initiatives to take forward projects in our communities. I would again encourage any organisations looking to secure revenue or capital grants to find out more on our website and to ensure they discuss their plans early on with our Economic Development service.”
Application forms and guidance can be found at https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/business/business-support/funding/rural-communities-challenge-fund/
Further information and support is available by contacting externalfunding@aberdeenshire.gov.uk