Coastal Communities Challenge Fund (CCCF)

Total Value of Fund:

Over recent rounds, Aberdeenshire Council has awarded more than £400,000 to local projects through the CCCF. In the past six years, nearly £3.8 million of Crown Estate Scotland income has been allocated to the fund.

Amount that can be applied for:

Grants are available between £10,000 and £49,999 per project.

Percentage that can be applied for

• Applicants must provide a minimum 10% match funding for community, voluntary sector, and public sector projects with wider community benefit.
• Commercial projects must provide a minimum of 50% match funding.

Who can apply

The fund is open to:
• Community groups
• Third sector organisations (charities, constituted groups)
• Small businesses based on Aberdeenshire’s coastline 
• Eligible applicants include SMEs, public sector organisations, co-operatives, registered charities, and constituted community or not-for-profit groups (individuals and unconstituted groups are not eligible).

Aims of the fund

The fund supports activities and infrastructure that deliver positive economic, social, or environmental impacts and specifically targets:
• Supporting the development of active travel routes along, to and from the coastline
• Developing the coastal economy and sustainable tourism
• Creating or enhancing community, leisure and recreational facilities
• Safeguarding, restoring or enhancing the coastal environment

Timing

The 2025/26 round opened in June 2025, and closed on 4th August 2025. Projects must be completed and funding drawn down by 30th September 2026. Future rounds will follow new announcements from Aberdeenshire Council.

Examples of successful projects

• Invercairn Heritage Trail- Phase 1: £17,941 for a community heritage trail.
• Fraserburgh All Weather Sports Facility- Renewable Energy Generation: £29,117 for solar PV and battery system.
• Maggie’s Hoosie Preservation: £19,556 for restoration.
• Museum of Scottish Lighthouses- New Gallery Space: £49,999.
• St Cyrus Community Car Park: £50,000 for a landscaped village car park.
• Port Erroll Harbour Enhancements: £15,305 for leisure and recreational improvements.
• Portsoy Sports Centre- Going Green: £11,817 for energy upgrades.
• Stonehaven Petanque Pistes: £10,498 for recreation facilities.
 

Contact info

• Email: coastalcommunities@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
•   Website: https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/business/business-support/funding/cccf/