ACVO Opportunities
Funding
The Lady Helen Wood Fund
About this fund
The Lady Helen Wood Fund is a new £2 million annual commitment from The Wood Foundation, providing flexible funding to charities supporting young people and improving the lives of older adults across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.
Every day, charities across the North East help people overcome challenges, build connections and create opportunities.
The Lady Helen Wood Fund has been created to support those organisations with flexible funding, a simple application process and a shared belief that communities are strongest when people are given the opportunity to thrive.
Inspired by Lady Helen Wood’s lifelong commitment to community, this is one of The Wood Foundation’s most significant investments in recent years and a long-term commitment to the people and places that make the North East unique.
How to apply
We’ve designed the application process to be as simple and straightforward as possible. We only ask for the information we need to understand your proposal, the difference it will make and how we can support your work.
1. Check your eligibility
Before applying, make sure your organisation meets the fund criteria. Applications are open to registered charities and Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) registered with OSCR, supporting children and young people under 18, or adults aged 65 and over, across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.
2. Tell us about your idea
Complete the online application form, which will go live on 3rd August, and tell us:
- The need you are responding to
- Who will benefit
- What you want to achieve
- The difference you hope to make
3. Tell us what support you need
Let us know:
- How much funding you are requesting
- What the funding will be used for
- Your proposed start and end dates
- Your expected budget for the current financial year
4. Submit your application when it opens
Submit your completed application through our online portal when it opens on 3 August. Applications for the first funding round close on 31 August 2026.
5. We review your application
We’ll assess applications based on the need being addressed, the difference the funding could make and how your proposal supports the aims of the Lady Helen Wood Fund. Our approach is designed to be proportionate and transparent, with decisions for eligible small and medium grants confirmed within 90 days from the closing date.
Looking for support with funding?
Identifying funding opportunities and writing grant applications can seem overwhelming, especially when the future sustainability of your group is dependent on gaining funding support.
Our supportive Funding Officer, Claire Shaw, can help your organisation with every step of the funding application process, from carrying out funding searches to proofreading your application.
Share this opportunity
The Lady Helen Wood Fund
