Home ≫ Fund – LEAF
LEAF is now CLOSED
Thank you for your interest in the LEAF Fund. We’ll get in touch with you soon.
Would you like to take action on climate change and biodiversity, at the same time as improving the place where you live?
About LEAF
North East Scotland Climate Action Network (NESCAN) Hub on behalf of Aberdeen City Council, is delighted to launch LEAF—a new environmental fund for projects located in Aberdeen City.
OPEN: Monday, 7th July 2025
CLOSING: Monday, 2nd March 2026
The purpose of this fund is to empower communities to take positive action in the places and on things that matter to them, with a focus on climate change and nature recovery.
The fund will enable communities to support the delivery of Aberdeen Adapts, the Net Zero Aberdeen Routemap, underlying Aberdeen Empowerment Strategy and Natural Environment Strategy, as well as help to deliver the Local Outcome Improvement Plan 2016-2026.
Download LEAF Application Guidance here
LEAF Fund Report 2024/25
Click on the image to access the latest LEAF Fund report.
Please note that we may ask for copies of bank statements, annual accounts and constitution before a grant offer is finalised.
Examples of projects that might be supported
The LEAF Fund supports diverse community led projects that promote environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and wellbeing. This includes creating wildflower meadows and wildlife habitats, regenerating soil health, planting trees and edible plants, and enhancing green spaces with signage, outdoor furniture, and accessible features. It also funds community gardens, active travel improvements, energy efficiency initiatives, and renewable energy planning. Additionally, we support training, public engagement, and collective decision-making to empower communities in climate action and local environmental stewardship.
You can read about the application criteria in the guidance document:
Community project videos
Get inspired and get involved today!
Enjoy our collection of videos showcasing amazing community-led projects.
Frequently asked questions
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Who can apply?
Any local not-for-profit community organisation with an annual income under £200,000 can apply for projects to be located in Aberdeen City. Individual grants can be awarded up to £3,000.
Your group or organisation must be based in Aberdeen City and your project should be run by local people under their direction and for the benefit of their community and the environment.
You can apply if you have already been awarded NESCAN SEED funding, but the combined awards must not be more than £3,000 during any one year (April to the following March)
When can I apply?
How do I apply?
Simply click the ‘Apply now’ links in the green buttons to access the application form.
We don’t have the capacity to save partially completed forms, so make sure you have all the information you need before you start.
What will happen after you submit your application?
You will receive an automated email acknowledging receipt of your application form. In most cases we should be able to give a decision within 10 working days, although we may contact you during that time for further information.
We will aim to send you a copy of your application form, however as we are using new (for us) technology, we recommend that you keep copies of your application before submission.
Please let us know about any bugs or errors in the online application process by email to info@nescan.org
What happens if I’m successful?
We’ll contact you to confirm the amount and your bank details. Payment is usually made within 7-10 days after we receive the bank details and grant acceptance form. Successful projects will be shared on our website with the organisation or group’s name, project description and link to their website.
Can I apply for more than one project?
Yes up to a maximum of £3,000 per group or organisation for any financial year to enable us to fund as many organisations and projects as possible.
What if I need more information or help completing the form?
Our team can provide support and advice when completing your form. If any information on this page is difficult to understand we are happy to provide it in other formats, including larger print upon request.
Please contact info@nescan.org for further information.
What do we need to do in relation to reporting on how we use the money?
Please send us photographs or photocopies of receipts showing what you have spent the money on. We will issue you with a short form to complete to explain how you have spent the money and the impact it has made. Please return this form within 6 months of your funds being allocated. We are interested in hearing about any challenges you faced with your project, and anything that worked well. Please do take lots of photos of your project for knowledge sharing and publicity purposes. Please be aware that if you don’t provide feedback and evidence of how you have spent the grant, we won’t able to consider you for grants in the future.
Can I apply again if I’m unsuccessful?
Yes. If your application is rejected, you may have other projects that fit our criteria.
Can I get advice about my application?
We encourage applicants to talk through their application with our advisers before applying. You can contact the NESCAN Hub team at info@nescan.org for an appointment.
Please note only NESCAN members are eligible to apply for LEAF. If you aren’t already a member, it is quick, free, and straightforward to apply.
Aberdeen City Council invite you to sign the Aberdeen Climate and Nature Pledge
The Aberdeen Climate and Nature Pledge is a commitment by the organisations and people of the City of Aberdeen to act within their own organisations and lives to contribute towards the Net Zero Aberdeen Route map and Aberdeen Adapts climate adaptation framework.
Collaboration is at the heart of the city approach to climate change. By signing the Aberdeen Climate and Nature Pledge, you can commit to getting involved and playing your part.