As of Monday May 11, the Just Transition Participatory Budgeting (JTPB) Fund returns for its fifth year, offering £1million in funding to support community led projects that help deliver a greener future across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
Since launching in 2022, the Scottish Government funded initiative has distributed £4.5 million to 181 community projects across the region, supporting a wide range of eco-friendly initiatives that are already making a lasting difference in local communities.
Once again, grants of up to £50,000 are available to support capital projects that align with the JTPB Fund mission, providing communities with the opportunity to develop ideas that address local needs while contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
The £1million funding pot will again be evenly divided across the three local authority areas, with £333,333 available to support projects in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray respectively.
As with previous years, residents across the region will play a direct role in deciding which projects receive funding through a public vote taking place later this year. Since the fund began, tens of thousands of local people have taken part in the voting process, helping to shape investment in their communities.
The Fund is delivered locally on behalf of the Scottish Government by ACVO TSI, Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action, tsiMORAY, NESCAN Hub and Money for Moray, who work closely with community groups and charities to provide support with project development, applications and engagement in the public vote process.
The Barn in Banchory received Year 4 JTPB Fund support to upgrade its community walled garden
Maggie Hepburn, Chief Executive of ACVO TSI, said: “As we launch the fifth year of the Just Transition PB Fund, it’s fantastic to reflect on the impact this investment has already had across communities in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
“Over the past four years, we’ve seen local organisations deliver innovative and practical projects that not only reduce environmental impact, but also create lasting community benefit. We encourage groups with ideas for positive change to apply and be part of this exciting next phase of the fund.”
Alison Stuart, CEO of NESCAN Hub, said: “This fund is about supporting communities to play an active role in building a fairer and greener future. The projects supported through the fund demonstrate how environmental action can go hand in hand with community wellbeing, inclusion and resilience.
“We know there are many more excellent ideas across the North East and Moray, and we would encourage organisations to come forward and explore how this funding could help turn those ideas into reality.”
Last year, 37 projects received funding through Year 4 of the programme, highlighting the diversity and creativity of community led environmental action across the region.
Projects funded in Year 4 included Instant Neighbour in Aberdeen, which received support to install battery storage alongside existing solar panels, reducing energy costs and supporting frontline poverty relief services.
In Aberdeenshire, Midmar Men’s Shed secured funding to install an air source heat pump in its new community building, while in Moray, Lossiemouth FC received funding for solar panels, LED floodlighting and electric grounds maintenance equipment to reduce emissions and operating costs.
Applications for Year 5 funding are now open and will close at 12 noon on Monday 31st August 2026
Community groups and charities across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray are encouraged to find out more and apply online at www.jtpbfund.scot.