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FAQs

Find out more about the fund here!

  • The Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund supports community-led projects across Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray that help move the region toward a fairer, greener, net zero future.

    The Fund gives local people a direct say in how funding is allocated by inviting communities to vote for the projects they believe will have the greatest positive impact.

  • The Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund is delivered on behalf of the Scottish Government by a partnership of third sector organisations across the North East of Scotland and Moray.

    Delivery partners are:

    • ACVO TSI

    • Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action

    • tsiMORAY

    • NESCAN Hub

    • Money for Moray

    Together, these organisations support applicants, coordinate the participatory budgeting process, and engage communities in deciding how funding is allocated.

  • You can explore stories and case studies from previous funding rounds in the What We Have Funded section of the website. These highlight a wide range of projects — from community gardens to energy-efficient upgrades - and demonstrate the real-world impact of the Fund.

    Over the past four years, the Fund has supported 181 projects, distributing £4.5 million to help communities reduce carbon emissions, strengthen local resilience and tackle inequality.

  • Year 5 of the Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund is open for applications from Monday 11th May 2026 to Monday 31st August 2026

  • A Just Transition is about moving to a net zero and climate-resilient future in a way that is fair and inclusive. It recognises that climate action should reduce inequalities, support communities through change, and ensure no one is left behind.

  • Participatory budgeting (PB) is a democratic process where local people decide how public funding is spent. Instead of funding decisions being made solely by organisations or committees, community members vote on shortlisted projects.

  • The Fund exists to empower people who live, work and access services in the North East and Moray to take part in the region’s transition to net zero. 

    Its vision is for connected, active and informed communities who understand sustainability, take climate action locally, and inspire others by showcasing what is possible.

    The Fund aims to:

    • Increase awareness and understanding of a just transition

    • Encourage practical action to reduce emissions

    • Support inclusive projects that benefit communities

    • Empower residents in local decision-making

    • Promote participatory democracy

    • Showcase successful sustainability projects

    • Strengthen peer support between communities

  • Applications are welcome from community, voluntary and third sector not-for-profit organisations based in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire or Moray that have a strong community focus.

    Eligible organisations include:

    • Community Councils

    • Companies Limited by Guarantee

    • Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies

    • Not-for-profit or asset-locked companies, including Community Interest Companies (CICs)

    • Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisations (SCIOs)

    • Trusts

    • Unincorporated Associations

    • Associations, groups, clubs, consortiums or partnerships with a clear community purpose

    Social enterprises can apply provided they: 

    1. Operate in an asset-locked manner, meaning surplus funds are not distributed as dividends to directors or shareholders.

    2. Ensure any assets purchased through the Fund belong to the organisation, not to individual members.

  • The Fund supports capital projects that contribute to sustainability and help communities move toward net zero. This may include equipment, infrastructure or physical assets that promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport, community growing, or wider climate action initiatives.

  • In the latest year, the Fund made £1 million available, with around £333,333 allocated to each local authority area. Projects can apply for funding up to a maximum of around £50,000 per project.

  • Voting is open to anyone aged 5 years and over who lives, works or accesses services in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire or Moray.

    To vote, you must provide your home postcode, which must be within one of these three areas.

    You may vote in any area where you live, work or access services. For example, if you live in Aberdeenshire but work in Aberdeen City, you may vote in both regions.

    To submit your vote, you must rank your top five projects in order of preference.

  • Once eligible applications are assessed and shortlisted, they are put to a public vote. Projects receiving the highest number of votes are awarded funding.

    This ensures communities directly influence which projects are delivered locally.