Rural Communities Challenge Fund
The Aberdeenshire Local Action Group's Rural Communities Challenge Fund (RCCF) delivers funding from the Scottish Government's Rural Community Led Local Development programme.
The fund supports projects that benefit rural communities across Aberdeenshire. There are two types of grants available:
- Capital grants for new projects to support expenditure on assets which will last longer than one year, for expenditure such as:
- The purchase of equipment over £6,000
- Improvement to buildings and property
- Construction of paths
- Retrofit upgrades to properties
- Revenue grants to support new projects, which are not capital and not part of the core running costs of the organisation, such as:
- Feasibility studies
- Alleviation of poverty measures
- Access to services
- Supporting children to gain new skills
Grants of between £10,000 and £49,999 are available for capital projects, and grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 for revenue projects.
Applications are being invited from community groups, charities, and co-operatives throughout Aberdeenshire (excluding the Cairngorms area).
Funding is targeted towards projects which can be delivered before 28th February 2026, and support one or more of the following priorities:
- An inclusive and connected Aberdeenshire – improving connections within and across rural communities
- Accountable and fair Aberdeenshire – making sure all communities are supported and don't experience effects of inequality and poverty
- Sustainability of places and planet - help achieve net zero by reducing emissions and regenerating the local environment
A minimum 10% match funding contribution to projects by applicants is desirable but not essential.
How to apply
The deadline for applications is 17th August 2025.
View the RCCF privacy notice (PDF 242KB) to find out what we do with your information.
Capital fund grant
View the capital funding criteria (PDF 478KB) and procurement guidance (PDF 174KB) before applying.
To apply complete the application form available in two formats:
Email completed forms and all additional documents to externalfunding@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.
Revenue fund grant
View the revenue funding criteria (PDF 427KB) and procurement guidance (PDF 174KB) before applying.
To apply complete the application form available in two formats:
Email completed forms and all additional documents to externalfunding@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.
What happens next
Submissions are assessed and approved by the Aberdeenshire Local Action Group (LAG), a cross-sector partnership which represents rural communities throughout Aberdeenshire.
View:
Contact
For any queries, please email externalfunding@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.