Funding supports community climate action in the Northeast
Community groups in Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire are being encouraged to apply for up to £20,000 to support local climate action projects.
The Vattenfall Unlock Our Future Fund is offering grants to support groups with projects such as energy efficiency programmes, renewable energy generation for community buildings, purchasing electric community vehicles, and projects that focus on local food growing and waste reduction.
Now in its eighth year, the fund has already supported over 100 community groups with more than £1 million in grants awarded to projects focussed on environmental sustainability, reducing carbon emissions and improving community services and spaces.
The fund, which is provided by Vattenfall, invests around £200,000 each year to a community benefit scheme, and will do so for the lifetime of the Aberdeen offshore wind farm. A local panel of community champions has been established to make decisions about the fund, with the support of Foundation Scotland as fund administrator.
Steven Wares, Project Manager at Vattenfall said:
“With the Unlock Our Future Fund now open for the latest round, we’re inviting local groups to bring forward practical ideas that strengthen their communities. The Fund continues to show how local ambition and long term investment can build stronger, climate ready communities. Each round brings forward projects from people who know their areas best - initiatives that improve facilities, cut carbon, and leave a legacy for the next generation. We’re proud of the impact so far and excited to see the new organisations and partnerships that will come forward this year.”
Guy Haslam, Chair of the decision-making panel, said:
“As the chair of the Panel, I am pleased to announce the start of the 2026 round of awards. Over the past seven years, the Vattenfall Unlock the Future Fund has provided over £1,000,000 of grants to community groups in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to help them reduce their carbon footprints. We look forward to reviewing this year's applications and being able to help groups who are so important in supporting local communities in both the shire and the city.”
Support for potential applicants will be available via an online seminar on 2nd February 2026 and bookable online surgeries with a Foundation Scotland Fund Adviser on 9th and 10th February. The deadline to submit applications is 8th March.
Read more about the Vattenfall Unlock Our Future Fund