The Cairngorms Trust is a small independent charity dedicated to sustainable and community-led development in the Cairngorms National Park (CNP). The Trust supports local communities through initiatives like the Community Led Vision Fund (CLVF) and the Nature Resilience Fund (NRF). These funds aid economic growth, education, and environmental conservation. Over £1 million has been distributed to community projects since 2016. Collaborating with the CNP Authority and Youth Action Team, the Trust fosters youth engagement, social enterprise and economic development within the National Park.
The Cairngorms Trust proudly looks after the communities, landscapes and wildlife within the CNP by providing grants and support for a range of community-led projects which help safeguard the environment for future generations. For example, their Active Cairngorms E-bike project promotes active travel, health and reduced emissions. To enable projects to come to life, Cairngorms Trust relies on donations from individuals and businesses and funding from public bodies such as the Scottish Government. Without a steady stream of income, available funds are usually oversubscribed, yet the high demand is a testament to the entrepreneurship of the community and the positive impact which the Trust has provided thus far.
Over the past year, Cairngorms Trust organised a charity calendar which enabled them to support the Aberdeen Kiltwalk and host the first Human Foosball Championships. Other projects include building trails, creating green spaces and providing educational opportunities within the Cairngorm National Park.
Both the CLVF and Cairngorms Trust NRF have empowered local communities by securing vital resources and the support needed to bring about positive change through economic growth, education and community support. The Cairngorms Trust with support from the CNP Authority and Youth Action Team has developed the Cairngorms Youth Action Group which funds young people’s ideas about living, learning and working in the ark. Similarly, the Active Cairngorms E-bike project run by the Cairngorms Trust and supported by a local bikeshop covers the whole of the Badenoch, Strathspey, Tomintoul, Glenlivet and Blair Atholl. The aims of the E-bike project are to provide low-cost electric bike loans to residents to encourage active travel, promote health and reduce carbon emissions and transport costs.
Cairngorms Trust works with local suppliers based in the national park for marketing, communications and events support. All trustees have deep links with the Cairngorms, either living or working in the area. Cairngorms Trust has sustainability at the heart of its projects and encourages applications which will make an impact locally for residents and visitors. When trustees are assessing applications, inclusion, diversity, public benefit and contributions to local communities are included as part of the scoring criteria.