Just Transition Fund for the North East and Moray: applicant guidance 2026 to 2027

General guidance

​​​​​​This section applies to all applicants, regardless of which funding stream you are applying to.

Eligibility

Applications must be led by a registered charity, business or public sector body. Individuals cannot apply. To be eligible, your organisation must:

• be based in and have a strong connection to Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City or Moray, and deliver project activity and benefits in these areas
• be solvent
• meet the mandatory Fair Work First criteria, including paying the real Living Wage and providing appropriate channels for employee voice (see the Fair Work First guidance for further information)

Collaborative bids are welcome. If applying jointly, at least one partner must be based in the eligible area. You should include supporting evidence such as a partnership agreement or Memorandum of Understanding.

There are no restrictions on sector or industry. All bids that meet the mandatory criteria and geographical criteria will be given equal consideration.

Capital and resource funding: definitions

Capital funding

Capital grants are non-refundable payments that must be used to:

• buy fixed assets (land, buildings, machinery etc.)
• buy inventory
• acquire long-term financial assets
• carry out R&D activities that meet the criteria for capitalisation (private sector applicants should refer to HMT guidance, Annex C)

Resource funding

Resource grants are non-refundable payments for activities that do not create a lasting asset. This includes costs such as events, performances, activities and organisational running costs.

Previously funded projects

If your organisation has previously received JTF funding, you can apply again. You will need to demonstrate that the additional funding will achieve new outcomes — or, for a follow-on phase of an existing project, clearly set out what new outcomes the next phase will deliver.

Delivery

Your project must be able to receive and spend the full amount of funding within the 2026 to 2027 financial year.

Grant payments are normally made in arrears, so your organisation will need sufficient cash flow to cover initial costs. Advance payments may be available in exceptional circumstances if you can demonstrate a clear need — for example, through accounts showing limited reserves or cash flow projections.

After you apply

Your application will be scored by a panel using the following scale:

• 0 — poor: response addresses some elements but lacks sufficient detail
• 1 — acceptable: response is satisfactory but could provide more detail; further information may be requested
• 2 — good: response is detailed and demonstrates a good understanding; minor clarification may be requested
• 3 — excellent: response is comprehensive and unambiguous, with all relevant evidence provided

A high score does not guarantee an offer of funding. A shortlist will be drawn up following initial assessment, and shortlisted projects will then go through a due diligence process. You may be asked for further information at this stage.

Following due diligence, you will be notified of the final decision. Successful applicants will be offered a grant on the condition that a formal grant offer letter is agreed and signed by both parties.

To avoid delays, we recommend submitting your application as early as possible within the application window.

Changes in circumstances

If anything changes that could affect your project's eligibility, you must tell the JTF team immediately. Failure to do so may invalidate your application or result in funding being withdrawn.

If your application is successful

To claim your grant, you will need to demonstrate that eligible spend has taken place. This means providing invoices and an explanation of costs, showing how they relate to eligible capital items and contribute to your project.

You must also confirm you continue to meet the conditions of the grant before claiming. Full guidance on the claims process will be provided once your grant offer letter has been agreed.

Monitoring

Progress will be monitored by the JTF Team and Steering Group throughout delivery. You must submit regular progress reports and attend meetings with JTF officials, as required by grant conditions. Please raise any issues affecting delivery with the JTF Team as early as possible.