The Lady Helen Wood 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.
Applications open 3 August 2026.
Backing the people who help communities thrive
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.
Flexible funding for charities strengthening local communities
£2million
Committed by The Wood Foundation every year
Under 18s
Creating opportunities for children and young people
65+
Supporting older adults to live connected, fulfilling lives
Long-term
A lasting commitment to Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire
The story behind the Lady Helen Wood Fund
Lady Helen Wood and Gareth Wood discuss the inspiration behind the Fund, their commitment to the North East and why charities are best placed to understand what local communities need.
Lady Helen Wood
Trustee, The Wood Foundation
There is a quote from futurist Joel Barker that I have always believed in:
"Vision without action is just a dream. Action without vision simply passes the time. But vision with action can change the world."
We may not change the whole world, but through this Fund and the work of local charities, we can help change the lives of many people.
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
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
-
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 3 September 2026.
-
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.
We know charities are spending increasing amounts of time applying for funding and reporting on it. We believe charities are the best people to know what is needed, and how to have the biggest impact. As I often say, we want to give and get out of the way
Dr Garreth Wood MBE
Chairman, The Wood Foundation