Last year we allocated over 20 small grants to community groups and small organisations within Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire to set up projects aiming to mitigate or adapt to climate change, increase biodiversity and work towards a fairer, healthier, more sustainable future
About the SEED fund
NESCAN Hub has a small pot of funding for community climate action and biodiversity projects within Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.
The Seed Fund is designed for small community projects. Any local not-for-profit community-led organisation, with an annual income under £50,000 that is based in Aberdeen City or Aberdeenshire can apply. In some cases, we can accept applications from individuals on behalf of informal groups.
Unless there are exceptional circumstances, grants are now a maximum of £500 per organisation to enable us to fund as many organisations and projects as possible.
Open: Monday, 29 June 2026
Closes: TBD or until funds remain
SEED Fund is OPEN
Community project videos
Get inspired and get involved today!
Enjoy our collection of videos showcasing amazing community-led projects.
Frequently asked questions
Open Toggle Hidden
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Who can apply?
Any organisation with income of less than £50,000 per year, group or individual working on projects that meet the above criteria can apply. If you are applying as an individual, you need a partner organisation with a bank account who is willing to receive the funds on your behalf.
You, your group or organisation must be based in Aberdeenshire or Aberdeen City and your project should be run by local people under their direction and for the benefit of their community and the environment.
When can I apply?
You can apply any time from Monday, 29 June 2026 until funds remain. We allocate to eligible applications on a first come first served basis.
How do I apply?
Applying couldn’t be easier! Simply click the ‘Apply now’ buttons on this page and fill out the application form.
What will happen after you submit your application?
You will receive an automated email acknowledging receipt of your application form. In most cases we should be able to give a decision within 10 working days, although we may contact you during that time for further information.
What happens if I’m successful?
We’ll contact you to confirm the amount and your bank details. Payment is usually made within 7-10 days after we receive the bank details and grant acceptance form. Successful projects will be shared on our website with the organisation or group’s name, project description and link to their website (funding amounts will not be publicised).
Can I apply for more than one project?
Yes up to a maximum of £500 per group or organisation for any financial year to enable us to fund as many organisations and projects as possible. If funds remain later in the year, we may increase the funding limit to ensure that all funds are allocated.
What if I need more information or help completing the form?
Our team can provide support and advice when completing your form. If any information on this page is difficult to understand we are happy to provide it in other formats, including larger print upon request.
Please contact info@nescan.org for further information.
What do we need to do in relation to reporting on how we use the money?
Please send us photographs or photocopies of receipts showing what you have spent the money on. We will issue you with a short form to complete to explain how you have spent the money and the impact it has made. Please return this form within 6 months of your funds being allocated. We are interested in hearing about any challenges you faced with your project, and anything that worked well. Please do take lots of photos of your project for knowledge sharing and publicity purposes. Please be aware that if you don’t provide feedback and evidence of how you have spent the grant, we won’t able to consider you for grants in the future.
Can I apply again if I’m unsuccessful?
Yes. If your application is rejected, you may have other projects that fit our criteria.