Deadline: 22-May-2026
The Just Transition Fund (JTF) is offering up to £2.5 million in grant funding for community and social enterprise projects in North East Scotland and Moray that support the transition to net zero and economic diversification away from carbon-intensive industries. Grants range from £100,000 to £500,000 for one-year projects focused on climate resilience, fuel poverty reduction, biodiversity restoration, and community wellbeing.
Just Transition Fund (JTF) Net Zero Transition Programme
The Just Transition Fund supports projects in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, and Moray that contribute to a fair and inclusive transition to a low-carbon economy. The programme focuses on balancing environmental sustainability with social equity and economic diversification.
It is designed to help communities shift away from dependence on carbon-intensive industries while strengthening resilience, improving living conditions, and restoring natural ecosystems.
Funding Overview
- Total funding available: Up to £2.5 million
- Capital funding: £2 million
- Resource funding: £500,000
- Grant size per project: £100,000 to £500,000
- Project duration: 1 year only
- Geographic scope: North East Scotland and Moray
Funding is aimed at high-impact, measurable projects aligned with net zero transition objectives.
Key Objectives and Priority Themes
The programme supports projects that contribute to both environmental and social outcomes:
- Transition to net zero in regional economies
- Reduction of child poverty
- Reduction of fuel poverty and household energy costs
- Climate resilience and adaptation to extreme weather
- Nature restoration and biodiversity protection
- Protection of native species and ecosystems
- Community engagement in environmental action
- Support for vulnerable and disadvantaged communities
- Economic diversification away from carbon-intensive industries
Projects are expected to demonstrate clear, measurable impact across these themes.
Eligible Activities and Outcomes
Supported activities may include:
- Home energy efficiency upgrades and retrofit programmes
- Community-led climate resilience initiatives
- Biodiversity restoration and conservation projects
- Nature recovery and habitat protection
- Fuel poverty reduction schemes
- Local environmental education and engagement programmes
- Skills development linked to green transition jobs
- Community adaptation strategies for extreme weather
Applicants are encouraged to define measurable indicators such as emissions reduction, biodiversity improvements, poverty reduction outcomes, or job creation.
Employment and Economic Expectations
Projects are also expected to contribute to local economic development by:
- Creating new jobs
- Supporting apprenticeships
- Strengthening green skills development
- Enhancing long-term employability in net zero sectors
This ensures alignment with both environmental and economic transition goals.
Eligible Applicants
Applications must be led by one of the following:
- Registered charities
- Private sector businesses
- Public sector organisations
All applicants must demonstrate the capacity to deliver a one-year project with measurable outcomes.
Special Requirements for Private Sector Applicants
Private sector organisations applying for research and development-related projects must:
- Demonstrate compliance with HM Treasury guidance on capitalisation of research and development costs
- Clearly justify eligible capital expenditure within project proposals
- Ensure financial reporting aligns with UK public funding standards
Geographic Eligibility
Projects must be delivered within:
- Aberdeen City
- Aberdeenshire
- Moray
All activities must directly contribute to the region’s transition to a net zero economy.
Why This Funding Matters
The Just Transition Fund plays a critical role in:
- Supporting a fair transition to a low-carbon economy
- Reducing regional dependence on fossil fuel industries
- Addressing fuel poverty and inequality
- Strengthening climate resilience in vulnerable communities
- Restoring ecosystems and improving biodiversity
- Creating green jobs and skills opportunities
- Supporting inclusive economic growth in Scotland’s north-east
It ensures that climate transition benefits are shared across both communities and industries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants often fail due to:
- Weak alignment with net zero transition objectives
- Lack of measurable impact indicators
- Insufficient evidence of community benefit
- Projects exceeding one-year duration limits
- Poorly defined geographic relevance
- Missing job creation or economic transition outcomes
- Ineligible applicant structures or lead organisations
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly link your project to net zero transition goals
- Include measurable environmental and social outcomes
- Demonstrate strong local community involvement
- Show how the project reduces inequality or fuel poverty
- Provide realistic timelines within the one-year limit
- Highlight job creation or skills development opportunities
- Ensure strong alignment with regional priorities in North East Scotland
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total funding available?
Up to £2.5 million is available, including capital and resource funding.
How much can each project receive?
Between £100,000 and £500,000 per project.
How long can projects last?
All projects must be completed within one year.
Where must projects be delivered?
Projects must be based in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, or Moray.
Who can apply?
Registered charities, businesses, and public sector organisations.
What types of projects are funded?
Projects focused on net zero transition, fuel poverty reduction, biodiversity, climate resilience, and community support.
Are jobs required in proposals?
Job creation is not mandatory but strongly encouraged and considered in evaluation.
Conclusion
The Just Transition Fund for North East Scotland and Moray supports high-impact projects that combine environmental action with social and economic transformation. By funding initiatives in climate resilience, biodiversity, fuel poverty reduction, and community development, it ensures a fair and inclusive transition to a net zero economy while strengthening regional prosperity and sustainability.
For more information, visit Scottish Government.