Coastal Communities Challenge Fund
The Coastal Communities Challenge Fund (CCCF) offers grants between £10,000 and £50,000 to support and develop coastal communities.
These grants are 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 are 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 and help with your application.
How to apply
The deadline for applications is noon on 4th August 2025.
Completed application forms and all supporting documentation should be sent to coastalcommunities@aberdeenshire.gov.uk by the closing date.
The application form is available in two formats:
Supporting documents:
- Constitution or memorandum and articles of association
- A recent bank statement covering a period of 3 months
- Most recent 3 years' annual accounts
- Organisational policies where relevant (for example equal opportunities, health and safety, child protection, environmental)
- Other relevant documentation (where applicable) as listed in Section 8 of the application form
View the business support and advice privacy notices to find out what we do with your information.
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.