Aberdeenshire Rural Communities Challenge Fund 2025 - 2026

The Aberdeenshire Local Action Group’s Rural Communities Challenge Fund 2025-26 has been launched and is now live and open for applications.

The programme delivers funding from the Scottish Government’s Rural Community Led Local Development programme.

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:

1) An inclusive and connected Aberdeenshire – Enabling better connections within and across rural Aberdeenshire Communities. 

2) Accountable and Fair Aberdeenshire – Ensuring no one community is left behind or exposed to the devastating effects of inequality and poverty. 

3) Sustainability of Places and Planet - Achieving a just transition to net zero through reducing emissions and regenerating the local environment.

Grants of between £10,000 and £49,999 will be available for Capital Projects, and Grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 for Revenue Projects. A minimum 10% match funding contribution to projects by applicants is desirable but not essential.

The deadline for submission of applications is Sunday 17th August 2025 and potential applicants can access the application forms and guidance on the following webpage: Rural Communities Challenge Fund - Aberdeenshire Council.

Applicants are also encouraged to contact us for more information and support at externalfunding@aberdeenshire.gov.uk