Funding supports community climate action in north east Scotland

The Vattenfall Unlock Our Future Fund is offering grants to support groups with projects such as energy efficiency programmes, renewable energy generation for community buildings, purchasing electric community vehicles, and projects that focus on local food growing and waste reduction.

Now in its eighth year, the fund has already supported over 100 community groups with more than £1 million in grants awarded to projects focussed on environmental sustainability, reducing carbon emissions and improving community services and spaces.

The fund, which is provided by Vattenfall, invests around £200,000 each year to a community benefit scheme, and will do so for the lifetime of the Aberdeen offshore wind farm. A local panel of community champions has been established to make decisions about the fund, with the support of Foundation Scotland as fund administrator.

Steven Wares, Project Manager at Vattenfall said:

“With the Unlock Our Future Fund now open for the latest round, we’re inviting local groups to bring forward practical ideas that strengthen their communities. The Fund continues to show how local ambition and long-term investment can build stronger, climate-ready communities. Each round brings forward projects from people who know their areas best - initiatives that improve facilities, cut carbon, and leave a legacy for the next generation. We’re proud of the impact so far and excited to see the new organisations and partnerships that will come forward this year.”

Guy Haslam, Chair of the decision-making panel, said: 

“As the chair of the Panel, I am pleased to announce the start of the 2026 round of awards. Over the past seven years, the Vattenfall Unlock the Future Fund has provided over £1,000,000 of grants to community groups in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to help them reduce their carbon footprints. We look forward to reviewing this year's applications and being able to help groups who are so important in supporting local communities in both the shire and the city."

Support for potential applicants will be available via an online seminar on 2 February and bookable online surgeries with a Foundation Scotland Fund Adviser on 9 and 10 February. The deadline to submit applications is 8 March.

Notes to editors

For further information, contact Marion McDonald, Community Fund Adviser, at Foundation Scotland, marion@foundationscotland.org.uk, 07912 759524.

Or you can visit the fund page: https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/apply-for-funding/funding-available/unlock-our-future 

About Foundation Scotland:
Foundation Scotland helps communities create positive change and deliver lasting impact. We support philanthropists to help their personal giving make the most difference. We work with donors to invest in community action that enables people and places to flourish. We work in partnership with communities to maximise opportunities from place-based funds. And we offer social investment opportunities to enable social enterprises, community organisations and charities to grow and deliver positive social impact. We have distributed more than £220 million to grassroots organisations across the country since the Found