Details

The overarching aim of the Fund is to support community-based initiatives that promote and develop good mental health and wellbeing and/or mitigate and protect against the impact of distress and mental ill health within the adult population (aged 16 or over), with a particular focus on prevention and early intervention.

Specifically, it aims to:

• Tackle mental health inequalities through supporting a range of ‘at risk’ groups (as outlined in the Equalities section).
• Address priority issues of social isolation and loneliness, suicide prevention and poverty and inequality with a particular emphasis on responding to the cost of living crisis and support to those facing socio-economic disadvantage.
• Support small ‘grass roots’ community groups and organisations to deliver such activities.
• Provide opportunities for people to connect with each other, build trusted relationships and revitalise communities.

It can support both new and existing groups or projects, and it is AVA’s intention that new and unconstituted groups will be supported with governance, funding and volunteering advice that facilitates them to build internal capacity. These do not have to have mental health and wellbeing as their main focus, but their application does have to clearly benefit the mental health and wellbeing of people in the community that they serve, be that a community of geography or a community of interest.

Premium information is available exclusively to SCVO members and supporters

Geographical areas funded: Aberdeen Aberdeenshire

Fund type

Type of funding:

Grant

Type of cost:

Revenue, Core costs

Fund award sizes

Maximum:

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Annually awarded:

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Notes on award amounts:

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Who can apply

Initiatives which promote good mental health and wellbeing at a small scale, grass roots, community level; no matter how small or inexperienced they are (including unconstituted groups). Income brackets apply; see fund guidance document for details.

When to apply

Currently open. Applications close Friday 16th October at 5pm

Next deadline: 16 Oct 2026

How to apply

Complete the relevant form (one/two years funding) via their website. This will enable you to see if you are likely to be eligible to apply to the fund. If the answer is yes, a full application form will be sent to you.

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Exclusions

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Activites funded: Community development and regeneration Transport Education and training Health care and wellbeing Mental health care

Beneficiaries funded: Black and Ethnic Minorities Carers Economically/socially disadvantaged General public Homeless or badly housed Care experienced people Socially isolated people LGBTQI people People in poverty Rural communities Men Mental health conditions Offenders and ex-offenders Older people Ill-health Disabilities Learning disabilities Physical disabilities Sensory impairments Refugees and asylum seekers Religious and Belief Groups Local communities Voluntary sector organisations Unemployed Victims of crime and abuse Women and girls Young people Urban communities

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Last reviewed 2 days ago