The climate and nature emergency affects us all, but local action can make a real difference. We fund community-led projects that improve the environment and help people connect with and enjoy nature where they live.
We fund projects that meet one of the following priorities:
- help people connect with and care for nature in their area
- make a positive difference to the environment
You can use the funding to:
- start a new activity or continue an existing one
- help your organisation adapt to new challenges
- run one-off events that have a clear environmental benefit
You cannot apply if you already have an Awards for All grant.
What we fund to help nature and the environment
Climate change and the loss of nature are two of the biggest challenges we face.
Scientists say climate change is the greatest threat to people around the world. At the same time, the UK has lost much of its wildlife, and the condition of nature is declining.
We need a healthy planet to live well, stay safe, and build strong communities.
These are global problems – but local action makes a difference. That’s why we support community projects that protect nature and help the environment.
We fund projects that meet one or both of these aims:
- help people connect with and care for nature in their area
- make a positive difference to the environment
These aims tie in with our missions. You can read more about the missions and what they’re all about.
Projects that involve animals
If your project involves animals, we can only fund the parts that benefit people and communities. We do not fund activities or costs that only involve animals.
Help people connect with and care for nature in their area
We want to fund projects that help people engage with accessible nature close to home.
Under this aim, we will fund projects that:
- make a positive difference to local green spaces
- help connect local people to nature
Make a positive difference to local green spaces
You could do this by:
- creating community gardens or shared spaces for growing food or plants
- rewilding or restoring neglected green areas
- running volunteer sessions to care for green spaces
- improving parks or playgrounds to support nature and wildlife
Help connect local people to nature
You could do this by:
- running forest schools or outdoor learning activities to help people engage with nature and improve their wellbeing
- organising activities in nature for people who do not usually access green spaces
- creating or improving community allotment plots with wildlife-friendly features
- offering volunteering in horticulture or community farming and providing outdoor therapy that supports both people and the environment
Make a positive difference to the environment
We want to fund projects that help care for the environment and respond to climate challenges.
Under this aim, we will fund projects that:
- deliver sustainable activities
- help people reduce carbon or save energy
Deliver sustainable activities
This includes:
- running repair or reuse sessions – such as fixing bikes or furniture
- setting up a food growing projects
- redistributing food from supermarkets or shops that would otherwise go to waste
- using nature-based solutions to local climate risks – like planting trees to reduce heat in urban areas or using plants to help prevent flooding
Help people reduce carbon or save energy
This includes:
- installing solar panels or other energy-saving features in well-used community buildings
- offering advice sessions or interactive workshops to help people make small, positive changes
- raising awareness about climate change, food choices, local growing, cooking or saving energy
We fund a variety of costs to help your project succeed. These include:
- running costs for your organisation
- help from a nature organisation
- equipment
- one-off events with a clear environmental impact
- staff and training costs
- transport and utilities
- volunteer expenses
- small land or refurbishment projects
We encourage you to think about any costs that help your organisation and community cope with the cost-of-living crisis.
You can apply using our online form
You can save your work as you fill it in. This lets you come back later if you need to.
When completing ‘Extra details about your project’, select ‘My project supports communities to be environmentally sustainable’ as the category of your project.
Submit your application at least 16 weeks before you need the funding.