Latest round of Coastal Communities Challenge Fund launched
Aberdeenshire Council has launched the latest round of its Coastal Communities Challenge Fund – with grants of up to £49,999 now available.
Grants are again being targeted at community groups, third sector organisations and small businesses around Aberdeenshire’s coastline which can fund a range of activities with positive economic, social or environmental impacts.
The fund distributes revenues generated by Crown Estate Scotland, with applications being assessed and approved by NESFLAG – the North East Scotland Fisheries Local Action Group – a cross-sector partnership comprising representatives from Aberdeenshire’s coastal and fishing sectors.
Once again, grants will be targeted towards activities or infrastructure which meet the following priorities:
• Supporting the development of active travel routes along, to and from the coastline
• Developing the coastal economy, workforce and sustainable tourism
• Creating or enhancing community, leisure and recreational facilities
• Safeguarding, restoring or enhancing the coastal environment
Grants between £10,000 and £49,999 will be available, and applicants must make a minimum contribution of 10% match funding for community, voluntary sector and public sector projects with wider community benefit and a minimum contribution of 50% match funding for commercial projects. Projects must be completed and funding fully drawn down by September 30th, 2026.
The deadline for submission of applications is noon on Monday 4th August and a copy of the application form can be found along with the privacy notice and programme guidance at https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/business/business-support/funding/cccf/
For support with application or any questions, please e-mail coastalcommunities@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Cllr Alan Turner, chair of the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, said: “We are delighted to announce a fresh round of the Coastal Communities Challenge Fund. Over recent years we have seen firsthand the positive impacts such grants have had on communities within our coastal areas, with a wide range of projects being supported including investments in sports and business facilities, improvements to community halls and car-parks, energy efficiency schemes and recreational area enhancements.
"As we’ve seen from those previous funding rounds, the successful projects continue to deliver an array of social, environmental and economic benefits and I would encourage all interested parties to get in touch as soon as possible to discuss potential new activities and initiatives.”