ETZ Ltd’s Community & Coast Fund Awards Grants to Local Initiatives in Torry and Cove

Details of the projects supported in the Torry and Cove areas of Aberdeen by the new Community & Coast Fund have been announced by ACVO and ETZ Ltd.

16 local organisations based in Torry and Cove have been provided a cash boost from the Community & Coast Fund to support impactful local projects.

The Fund is awarding up to £100,000 to local community projects delivered in partnership with Aberdeen’s Third Sector Interface, ACVO TSI. It aims to empower local groups within Torry and Cove by providing cash grants to support initiatives which address community needs ranging from youth support to wellness and skills development, as well as and heritage preservation, sustainability and improving biodiversity.

Applications opened in late September 2024 and local groups were invited to bid for grants of up to £10,000 to help bring their ideas for innovative community projects to life.

In this inaugural pilot year of the fund, a total of £95,000 in eligible project grants were requested, allowing all applicants to receive a share of the available funding and see their projects supported.

The local organisations benefiting from the fund include Cove Thistle AFC who were awarded funding to purchase landscaping equipment for maintaining Catto Park; Tullos Crescent Allotment Association, receiving funds to install a compostable toilet, expand fruit and herb planting, and promote sustainable local food production; and Brimmond Court Residents Group who will use their grant for a kitchen renovation in their common area, enabling better facilities for volunteers and enhancing social events for the community.

These grants, aimed at supporting grassroots, community-led projects, offer the opportunity for much needed investment, especially in a climate where funding is competitive and local organisations in Aberdeen, and across the country, often find themselves facing budget constraints.

Maggie Hepburn Chief Executive of ACVO TSI, said: “Securing funding is often a significant hurdle for local groups and we are pleased to be able to offer this opportunity for project support. ACVO has a proven track record of distributing funds to a wide range of community organisations across Aberdeen and we consistently witness the transformative impact that well-funded projects can have.

“We look forward to seeing the positive impact projects supported by Community & Coast Fund have in Torry and Cove and also being able to share these good news stories with the rest of Aberdeen”

Carole Monnier, Community Lead at ETZ Ltd., said, “We are delighted to be supporting such a range of exciting local initiatives delivering positive impacts across Torry and Cove and are looking ahead to next year’s renewed round of funding."

ACVO TSI will be actively engaging with recipients of the fund to showcase stories of success as the projects get underway in 2025. These will be available to view on the Fund’s dedicated website at www.communityandcoast.scot.

A full list of all 16 successful organisations is detailed below.

• Altens and Cove Community Association
• Bethany Christian Trust
• Brimmond Court Residents Group
• Castlehill Housing Association
• Cove in Bloom
• Cove Thistle AFC
• Cove Youth Football Club
• Dee United FC
• Greyhope Parent Voice
• Jesus House Torry
• Lochside Academy Parent Voice
• Loirston Parent Council
• Social Juice CIC
• Sport Aberdeen
• Team Jak Foundation
• Tullos Crescent Allotment Association