NESCAN – Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF)

Total Value of Fund

In the 2024/25 reporting period, LEAF funded 29 community-led environmental projects with a total value of ~£58,200.

Amount that can be applied for

Individual grants of up to £3,000 per project are available.

Percentage that can be applied for

LEAF does not publish a fixed percentage of project costs that must be covered; awards are based on project needs up to the £3,000 maximum.

Who can apply

• Not-for-profit community organisations based in Aberdeen City with an annual income under £200,000 can apply. 

• Applicants must usually be members of NESCAN Hub to be eligible.

Aims of the fund

• Empower communities to act on climate change, biodiversity and local environmental improvement. 

• Support delivery of Net Zero Aberdeen Routemap, Aberdeen Adapts, and local environmental strategies. 

• Fund projects that protect, enhance or increase biodiversity, improve public spaces, and support climate mitigation/adaptation initiatives.

Timing

OPEN: Monday, 7th July 2025

CLOSING: Monday, 2nd March 2026

Applications are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Examples of successful projects

Projects supported in earlier rounds demonstrate a range of environmental and community outcomes, such as:
• Urban space improvements with biodiversity outcomes. 
• River wildlife health monitoring projects. 
• Biodiverse sensory gardens and community green spaces.
 

Contact info

• General enquiries & application support: info@nescan.org
 or Rachel (Funding Officer) at rachel@nescan.org
• Phone: +44 (0)1224 432042. 
 • Website: https://nescan.org/fund-leaf/
• Address:

NESCAN Hub Ltd, 
on behalf of Aberdeen City Council,
based at The James Hutton Institute,
Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen
AB15 8QH