Coastal Communities Challenge Fund
The Coastal Communities Challenge Fund (CCCF) offers grants between £10,000 and £50,000 to support and develop coastal communities.
This fund closed on 4th August 2025.
These grants were available for community groups, third sector organisations and small businesses on Aberdeenshire’s coastline and can fund a range of activities with positive economic, social or environmental impacts.
Grants were 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 and sustainable tourism
- Creating or enhancing community, leisure and recreational facilities
- Safeguarding, restoring or enhancing the coastal environment
Applicants must make a minimum 10% match funding contribution to projects. Business or commercial projects must contribute a minimum of 50% match funding.
The fund distributes revenues generated by Crown Estate Scotland’s inshore waters.
View the CCCF 2025/26 programme guidance (PDF 910KB) for further details on eligibility.
What happens after
Applications are assessed and approved by the North East Scotland Fisheries Local Action Group (NESFLAG): a cross-sector partnership with representatives from Aberdeenshire’s coastal and fishing sectors. View:
Contact
Please contact coastalcommunities@aberdeenshire.gov.uk for more information about this programme or help with your application.