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

Overview

The Just Transition Fund (JTF) supports projects in the North East and Moray that help the region move to a net zero economy. Launched in 2022, the Fund is a 10-year commitment focused on creating new jobs and opportunities as the area transitions away from carbon-intensive industries.

Funding available in 2026 to 2027

Up to £17 million is available this financial year (1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027), split across three funding streams:

1. Commercial and public sector projects — up to £10 million capital

For projects that create jobs, build skills and boost economic opportunities.

Bids for this financial year (2026 to 2027) should be between £500,000 and £10 million. Limited multi-year funding may be available on an exceptional basis — up to £5 million capital per year from 2027 to 2030 – which means some bids might be beyond £10 million if they are for multiple years.

2. Community and social enterprise projects — up to £4 million

Community and social enterprise capital projects - up to 2.5 million

For projects that tackle child poverty, fuel poverty, or support adaptation, biodiversity or environmental goals.

Bids should be between £100,000 and £500,000. Up to £2 million capital is available, with up to £500,000 resource to support capital projects. There is no multi-year component to this funding stream. It will provide one-year funding for this financial year (2026 to 2027) only.

Community and social enterprise development grants - up to £300,000

If your project is still at the planning stage, you may be able to apply for a development grant. Up to £300,000 in resource funding is available on an ongoing basis. To apply, send an expression of interest to JustTransitionFund@gov.scot using the template provided.

There is no closing date for development grants, but we may close the process during the financial year once funding is fully allocated.

We are not currently accepting expressions of interest for community energy projects (such as renewable energy installations or community energy generation), to avoid overlap with the GB Energy Community Fund. If you have a community energy proposal, please apply through the GB Energy Community Fund nstead. Retrofit and battery storage projects are welcome where they fall outside the scope of GB Energy funding.

Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund

We will also be continuing our support for the Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund, with £1m of additional funding made available for communities to directly vote on.

3. Supply Chain Pathway and Challenge Fund — up to £3 million

This continuing fund helps regional energy supply chain businesses diversify into low carbon markets, improving productivity, turnover and employment. See: ETZ Ltd's Challenge Fund to find out out more information.