Frequently asked questions
The Lady Helen Wood Fund has been designed to make applying for funding as simple and straightforward as possible. We believe charities know their communities best, so we've taken a flexible, trust-based approach that reduces unnecessary paperwork and focuses on the difference your work makes.
Am I eligible?
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Applications are open to registered charities and Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) registered with OSCR and delivering work across Aberdeen City or Aberdeenshire.
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We support projects that benefit children and young people under 18, or adults aged 65 and over. This could include creating opportunities, improving wellbeing, developing skills, reducing isolation, strengthening community connections or responding to other local needs. If your project helps people and communities thrive, we'd love to hear from you.
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Yes. We know that newer organisations can find it difficult to secure funding without an established track record. That's why we've designed the Lady Helen Wood Fund to look beyond an established track record. If you've identified a clear community need and have a well-planned proposal, we'd encourage you to apply.
Applying
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Applications are made online through this website from 3 August 2026. We've kept the process as simple as possible. We'll ask you about your project, who it will benefit, how much funding you're requesting, your proposed timescales and your budget.
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We only ask for the information we need to understand your proposal. This includes:
- A description of your project, including the need you're addressing, the difference it will make and who will benefit
- The amount of funding you're requesting
- Your proposed start and end dates
- Your expected budget for the current financial year
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The Lady Helen Wood Fund operates on a rolling basis, so you can apply throughout the year.
Applications for the first funding round open on 3 August 2026 and close on 3 September 2026.
Eligible small and medium grant applicants can expect a decision by 3 November 2026.
We'll confirm future application windows on our website.
If funding remains available, we'll announce the next application window on our website.
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For eligible small and medium grant applications, We'll let you know the outcome of your application within 90 days.
This may be a decision, confirmation that your application is progressing to trustee review or, if unsuccessful, feedback on the outcome.
Applications for grants over £25,000 require additional assessment and trustee approval, so these may take a little longer.
We'll keep you informed throughout the process.