The Granite Heart Fund offers small grants to support charities, voluntary groups and initiatives working to make a positive difference in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, in particular those not in receipt of regular funding or income. Funded through their community charity shops and generous supporters, they award grants regularly up to £350, with larger awards considered.

They prioritise projects that deliver real benefit to local people and communities, and which align with their charitable objectives.

Applications must demonstrate a clear benefit to the community in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and support at least one of Granite Heart’s charitable purposes, which include:

• a. Relief of poverty: helping people and communities experiencing poverty, hardship or disadvantage;
• b. Education & skills: supporting learning, skills development, and access to education for all ages;
• c. Community development: improving the social, economic and environmental well-being of communities;
• d. Health & wellbeing: promoting the preservation and protection of health by improving access to healthcare, promoting mental well-being and tackling health inequalities;
• e. Quality of life: providing support, assistance, and resources to those impaired by age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage to improve their quality of life and well-being;
• f. Citizenship, diversity & equity: strengthening communities through inclusion, diversity, equality and cohesion;
• g. Arts, culture & science: promoting arts, culture, heritage and science in ways that enrich local life;
• h. Sports & recreation: encouraging participation in sport and physical activity for better well-being; and
• i. Conservation, nature & wildlife: protecting the environment, promoting sustainability, and caring for animals.

Fund type

Type of funding:

Grant

Type of cost:

Capital, Revenue, Core costs

Applicant success rate:

45%

Fund award sizes

Minimum:

£50

Maximum:

£350

Average:

£250

Notes on award amounts:

Occasional larger applications will be considered. The charity plans to award larger and more frequent grants in time as it generates more funds for its charitable purposes.

Who can apply

Local charities, voluntary groups, and charitable initiatives are working to make a positive difference in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, particularly those organisations not in receipt of regular funding. Applications must demonstrate a clear benefit to the community in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and support at least one of Granite Heart’s charitable purposes.

When to apply

Applications can be made at any time and are reviewed regularly by the Board. Applicants will receive an acknowledgement of their application within five working days, and they aim to review and respond within 6 weeks.

How to apply

Complete the online application form via their website. You can also download and submit via post, or pick up a physical application form in store.

Exclusions

They may consider applications from individuals, but only if the work is clearly charitable in nature and provides a direct, measurable benefit to the wider community. The fund cannot fund private, personal or non-charitable projects.