By Lucy Johnston, Nestrans
Nestrans is pleased to announce that applications are now open for two major funding schemes.
The People and Place Programme and the Community Sustainable Travel Grant Scheme have both opened for applications. The initiatives are designed to empower organisations and communities to help people walk, wheel, cycle and travel more sustainably across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
What’s On Offer
- People and Place Programme
The People and Place Programme, funded by Transport Scotland, supports projects that encourage walking, wheeling, cycling, and sustainable travel. The programme aims to help reduce car usage and make active and sustainable travel the preferred choice for everyday journeys.
Nestrans are looking to partner with community groups and community interest companies, charities, social enterprises, and inclusive organisations who are committed to promoting active and sustainable travel across our region.
This will be the third year of the People and Place Programme. Transport Scotland first introduced the programme in 2024, awarding funding to all seven on Scotland’s Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs). RTPs then select a range of projects to fund which helps each region build a programme that best suits its local needs.
In its first year, over £1.7m of active travel projects was delivered by partners, and over £2m worth of projects are currently underway for 2025/26. Our current programme sees us partnering with organisations such as Cycling UK, Sport Aberdeen, Stella’s Voice, The Bikery, Walking Scotland, Grampian Inclusive Cycling Bothies, as well as a range of smaller community projects. These initiatives are supporting led walks and rides, cycle training, bike repair and recycling, inclusive cycling sessions, secure storage, and community-led transport schemes, making active and sustainable travel more accessible for everyone.
- Community Sustainable Travel Grant Scheme
Our Community Sustainable Travel Grant Scheme is designed for smaller projects, looking for funding of up to £5,000 and can cover up to 100% of the project costs. The scheme supports a wide range of initiatives, from improving local paths and installing cycle parking, to acquiring electric or cargo bikes for community hire schemes. This grant is particularly aimed at smaller organisations, helping to remove funding barriers and encourage more sustainable travel choices at a community level. Constituted community groups, registered charities, and social enterprises are encouraged to apply.
Why Apply?
- Get support and funding for your ideas
- Help others become more active, more regularly
- Join a network of partners working for a healthier, greener region
- Make a real impact in your community.
How to Apply
Applications for both schemes are now open. Full guidance, eligibility criteria, and application forms are available at www.nestrans.org.uk/funding. The deadline for submissions to both schemes is Thursday 11 December at 5pm.
Councillor Michael Hutchison, Chair of Nestrans, said:
“A lot of folk across the North East already walk and cycle as part of their everyday lives, and I am pleased that these funds have supported various groups who are making active and sustainable transport more attractive and more accessible.
“The successes of these projects is a real credit to our partners and local groups, who have made a big difference in our communities, and I am looking forward to more seeing more of that success being supported with this year’s funding.”