By KDP
It has been a pleasure to work with so many of our members over the last 12 months, and we look forward to 2026 and the new opportunities that will come our way.
KDP will close this Thursday, 18th December until Monday 5th January. Emails and telephone calls will be answered at that time.
Tesco Stronger Starts in Scotland is a grant program providing up to £1,500 to local schools and community groups (charities, non-profits) for projects that give children and young people better access to healthy food, nutritious meals, and outdoor/healthy activities, supporting a “stronger start” in life.
Projects like breakfast clubs, holiday schemes, play area improvements, and sports equipment are funded.
The funding is awarded through the blue-token customer vote held every three months in Tesco stores, where three locally nominated projects are shortlisted and funded according to the number of votes received. Applications can be submitted at any time.
More information can be found here.
Join Matthew Clubb & NESCAN Hub for a free online Community Building Retrofit Workshop.
Matthew will run through a range of community building retrofit projects from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, sharing common issues and what is possible in terms of energy savings, comfort, air quality and climate adaptation. The second half of the session will outline how to go about running a retrofit project, what funding sources are available and what support is out there.
There are two dates to choose from:
- Saturday, 17 January 2026, 2 PM – 4 PM
- Wednesday, 21 January 2026, 12 PM – 2 PM
Book your place here.
The Aberdeenshire Mental Health Improvement and Wellbeing Service aims to give quicker access to mental health and wellbeing services, with fewer barriers and criteria to overcome. This free service is available from a team of dedicated professionals.
The qualified and trained professionals within the team are made up of Wellbeing Workers, Senior Workers, and a Team Manager, and they work across Aberdeenshire.
Contact this service for help and support if you are:
- aged over 16
- struggling with your mental health and wellbeing
- need a little extra support to get back on track
- feeling lost
- suffering with anxiety
- having family difficulties or relationship issues
More here.
The CARES Community Solar Fund from the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) is supporting community organisations to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and battery storage in their community buildings.
Up to 80% of eligible costs can be funded up to a maximum grant amount of £80,000.
This is a short-term pilot, funded by the Scottish Government and Great British Energy (GBE), with funds needing to be spent and claimed by Tuesday 31 March 2026.
More here.
Scotland’s draft Climate Change Plan (CCP) sets out actions designed to reduce Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions and meet the first three carbon budgets, whilst supporting jobs, growth and community regeneration.
The CCP covers the period 2026-2040 and will comprise the following sectors:
- Energy Supply Transport (Including International Aviation and Shipping)
- Business and Industrial Process and NETs
- Residential and Public Buildings
- Waste Management
- Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (“LULUCF”)
- Agriculture
Information on the draft plan and the public consultation can be found here.
The consultation will run until 29 January 2026.
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for small charities working to improve the lives of vulnerable people across the UK. The funding is provided by the Wise Music Foundation, which aims to make a positive difference for people facing hardship, illness, or poverty, particularly children, the homeless, older people, and those with disabilities.
The Foundation also supports a wider range of causes, including education, cultural activities, arts and heritage, health and disability support, overseas famine relief, food banks, and other charitable initiatives.
Charities with an annual turnover of up to £500,000 are eligible to apply. The average grant awarded is £1,500.
Trustees meet quarterly to consider applications, and the next closing date is the 28th February 2026.
More here.
Home Energy Scotland’s newsletter, The Spark, brings practical tips and updates to help you through the colder months. Their popular energy-saving competition is back, and they are sharing advice on protecting your pipes this winter.
There is an article on how to spot energy scams, and how to get free advice on renewable technologies.
Read it here.
The Alliance for Youth Organising Anchor grants programme enables organisations working with young people in the UK to apply for up to £40,000 per year for up to two years to help strengthen, sustain and expand their work.
The focus of this funding round is on improving access to services, providing services in rural or underrepresented areas, and supporting young people from marginalised communities. An additional £5,000 is for learning and strategic development activities.
Between seven and ten grants will be awarded, and the application deadline is 26 January 2026.
Visit the website for more information.
NESCAN is looking for keen community groups and individuals interested in being part of a new planning group for Climate Week North East 2026.
You don’t need prior event management experience. They only ask that you are up for being a team player and willing to bring your ideas to the group. There is no minimum commitment, but this opportunity will involve some planning meetings and feeding back your regular input plus some light admin/networking work (if you wish to take it on).
If you are interested in hearing more or coming along to an initial meet up, please email lauren@nescan.org by 19th January 2026.
Grants of up to £2,500 are available for not-for-profit organisations to purchase and install public water drinking fountains in coastal areas. The funding is being made available through the Sea-Changers Coastal Fountain Fund 2025 and aims to reduce the impact of single-use plastic water bottles on coastal habitats by providing accessible water refill stations in busy or environmentally important locations.
Now in its sixth year, the fund has already supported 40 fountains across the UK.
The deadline for applications is 28 February 2026.
More information here.
The Platinum Jubilee Coastal Path project covers the Kincardineshire section of coast as a legacy tribute to her late Majesty.
The Mearns Coastal Heritage Trail (MERCHAT) covers the St Cyrus to Johnshaven coast.
The North East Scotland Coastal Trust (NESCAT) is a newly established charity dedicated to enhancing the unique coastal heritage of Aberdeen City and Shire. NESCAT’s flagship initiative is the creation of a 140-mile coastal walking trail, stretching from the Angus border in the south to the Morayshire border in the north. With an ambition for this world-class trail to become one of Scotland’s Great Trails, celebrating the diverse natural beauty, rich cultural legacy, and vibrant communities along our coast.
Read their latest updates – MERCHAT – NESCAT
MERCHAT would love to hear your thoughts on access, biodiversity, recreation, and opportunities to enjoy the Mearns Coast through their short survey.
(15 mostly multiple choice questions.) Take part here.