A new fund, the Green Community Grants Programme, will offer grants of up to £25,000 to small charities and not for profit groups contributing towards nature recovery and responding to the climate emergency – and also for proposals to improve places for nature and people’s access to them.
Whilst organisational aims and objectives should fit one of these themes, funding can also be used for a wider range of sustainable activities, including recycling, litter picking, beach cleans or sustainable transport.
The scheme is managed by The Wildlife Trusts on behalf of Postcode Green Trust and with thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Cath Hare, head of grants at The Wildlife Trusts says:
“The natural world is in crisis and, at the same time, many communities have little opportunity to enjoy spending time in wild places even though the evidence is clear that the benefits to health and wellbeing are immense. There are some fantastic small charities and groups working to remedy this and we want to encourage them to apply for these funds which are now available thanks to the players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
“Whether your group would like to create a community wildlife garden, buy an electric mini-bus to take a disabled group birdwatching or to buy the equipment needed for their volunteers to do regular beach cleans, we want to hear from them all!”
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said:
"It's amazing that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are supporting this vital new fund that will help communities across the UK take action for nature and the climate. Local groups are already doing incredible work to protect wildlife, green spaces and biodiversity, often with very limited resources. These grants are designed to give them a boost, enabling them to reach more people, make a bigger impact, and ensure that both nature and communities can thrive together."
One-year flexible funding is offered to not-for-profit groups in England, Scotland and Wales with an annual income between £10,000 and £1 million. To be eligible for funding, a group must have been operating for a minimum of 12 months. To assist with decision-making and through the assessment process, priority will be given to organisations:
- that have an income of £250,000 or below
- that work in communities located in the top 15% of the Index of Multiple Deprivation
- whose main activities are focused on supporting marginalised groups. This could include, but is not limited to, disabled people, communities experiencing racial inequity, and LGBT+ people.
The fund will open on 17 September 2025 and the deadline for applications will be in October 2025.