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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 (RCLLD) programme.

This fund will close on 28th June 2026.

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 £49,999 for revenue projects. 

Applications are 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 2027, 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.

Funded projects

Pervious projects that benefited from this funding:

How to apply

Please read guidance before applying. This will help you capture the right information on your application.

View the RCCF privacy notice (PDF 242KB) to find out what we do with your information.

Capital grants

View:

Apply for capital funding

Revenue grants

View:

Apply for revenue funding

What happens after

Submissions are assessed and approved by the Aberdeenshire Local Action Group (LAG), a cross-sector partnership which represents rural communities throughout Aberdeenshire.

View Aberdeenshire Local Action Group's RCCF meeting minutes.

Contact

For any queries, please email externalfunding@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.