The Gordon & Ena Baxter Foundation

Total Value of Fund

The foundation has surpassed £2 million in charitable awards given to local causes in Scotland’s North and North-east over its lifetime. In recent years, around £215,000– £317,000 has been awarded in a single cycle.

Amount that can be applied for

Grants range from £100 up to £25,000, with the majority of awards between £1,000 and £10,000.

Percentage that can be applied for

There is no fixed percentage rule publicly stated, but applicants are encouraged to have around 50% of the total project cost secured or pledged before applying, indicating an expected match-funding context rather than a strict funding-share percentage

Who can apply

Registered charities or constituted community groups working in the North East and Highlands of Scotland, including Moray, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City, the Highlands, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland, are eligible.

Aims of the fund

The Foundation aims to support capital expenditure projects that make a lasting positive impact on local communities across several themes:
• Health and Wellbeing
• Arts and Heritage
• Conservation and the Environment
• Education
• Sport
Applications should demonstrate community support and innovation, and the funding is specifically for tangible capital costs (e.g., buildings, equipment, vehicles) rather than ongoing operational costs. 

Timing

The Foundation runs four funding rounds per year. For 2026 the deadlines are:
30 January
24 April
31 July
30 October
Trustees meet about one month after each deadline to consider applications.

Examples of successful projects

Recent awards illustrate a diverse range of community capital support including:
• £8,000 towards a new vehicle for CLAN Cancer Support’s transport service in Moray. 
• Elgin Sports Community Trust: improvements to sport facilities; all-weather pitch at Huntly; multi-use games area in Methlick; various sports clubs, village hall upgrades and coastal rowing skiffs. 
• Awards shared between 17 charities totalling £78,000 ranging from £400 up to £15,000 for community development, heritage, sports, environment and more. 
 

Contact info

• Website: https://www.baxterfamilycharity.org/
• Email for funding enquiries: sarah@gebfoundation.com