ACVO - Aberdeen’s Third Sector Interface - has outlined its priorities for 2026, building on a year of significant activity with a continued focus on connection, collaboration and amplifying the impact of Aberdeen’s third sector.
This year ACVO is expanding opportunities for organisations to come together, strengthening networks across the city and ensuring the sector’s contribution remains visible and valued. From new forums and leadership engagement to enhanced communications and membership developments, 2026 is centred on building collective strength across Aberdeen.
ACVO’s AGM at the end of last year reflected on a busy 2025 marked by both ongoing pressures and meaningful progress. Alongside its third sector support and representation role, ACVO distributed more than £980,000 to third sector organisations across Aberdeen, supporting a wide range of essential projects and services at a time of increasing demand.
Funding Officer Claire Shaw said: “We’re seeing really high demand for funding, which reflects the level of need in communities. What stands out is the resilience and creativity across the third sector. Organisations are constantly adapting and finding ways to keep delivering for people.”
She added: “Our aim is to make funding feel more accessible - whether that’s through one to one support, advice or sharing opportunities - especially at a time when things feel more challenging.”
Collaboration remains central to this work. In partnership with Community Planning Aberdeen, ACVO recently combined funding from UDECIDE and the Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund for Adults, holding in person sessions across North, South and Central Aberdeen to ensure community voices help shape investment decisions.
Another key priority for 2026 is creating more space for connection and shared learning. While digital communication remains important, ACVO is placing renewed emphasis on in person forums and networks.
Established groups such as the Volunteer Coordinators Network will continue, alongside refreshed and newly developed forums shaped by sector feedback.
The new ACVO Communications Forum will bring together those working in communications roles across the third sector.
Communications Officer Andrew Davidson said: “The Comms Forum will be a place for people to come together, share what they’re working on and talk honestly about the challenges that come with communications roles. We hope it will help people feel less isolated and strengthen the collective voice of our sector.”
A Mental Health and Wellbeing Network Forum will also launch in 2026, supporting collaboration between third sector organisations, health and social care partners and national networks, with a focus on prevention, early intervention and lived experience.
The Third Sector Leaders’ Forum, launched earlier this year, will continue to provide a dedicated space for senior leaders to explore shared challenges and engage in strategic discussion.
ACVO Chief Executive Maggie Hepburn said: “There hasn’t always been a regular opportunity for third sector leaders to come together in this way. The Leaders’ Forum is about supporting those conversations, building relationships and helping strengthen the sector’s collective voice.”
She added: “By creating more opportunities for organisations to connect - both formally and informally - we can help ensure the sector remains strong, collaborative and visible.”
Supporting this activity is an enhanced communications focus for 2026. Planned developments include a refreshed website, expanded storytelling through Volunteer Aberdeen, new online training resources and the introduction of an ACVO podcast.
A refreshed membership offer will also launch this year, providing clearer benefits and regular opportunities to connect. Members have also approved the introduction of a new Campaigning Membership, enabling more organisations to contribute to ACVO’s mission and further strengthen the collective voice of Aberdeen’s third sector.
“As we move through 2026, ACVO remains focused on supporting, connecting and representing the third sector in Aberdeen,” said Maggie Hepburn. “By working alongside organisations and partners, we can continue to demonstrate the vital impact of the sector across the city.”
You can keep up to date with the latest from ACVO and the wider third sector in Aberdeen with the free monthly digital magazine, ACVO News. Find out more and sign up at www.acvo.org.uk/acvo-news