The National Lottery Community Fund have funding programmes open to local groups who want to take practical steps to make a positive difference to the environment and help people connect with nature in their area.
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
Who can apply?
You can apply if your organisation is a:
- constituted voluntary or community organisation
- constituted group or club
- registered charity
- charitable incorporated organisation (CIO)
- not-for-profit company
- community interest company (CIC)
- school, if the project helps the local community, not just the school
- statutory body (including local authorities, town, parish, and community councils)
- community benefit society
Please note, we will not accept your application if:
- your organisation has a current grant from National Lottery Awards for All England that has not finished
- you’re waiting for a decision on another application to this programme
- you’re applying to more than one of our programmes for the same project
Examples of projects and activities that have been funded
These examples show the kinds of work we support to help improve the environment.
Bringing local gardens back into use – A group asked people who didn’t use their gardens to offer them for growing food. They then brought everyone together for a community feast using what they’d grown.
Opening an environmental hub with community composting – An organisation opened a new environmental education hub for people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Volunteers also set up and ran a composting site to help reduce waste in the area.
How to apply
You can apply online by clicking here
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.
Is there a deadline?
No, but please submit your application at least 16 weeks before you need the funding.
We are receiving more applications than usual, so it may take longer to respond.
Please wait for approval before starting your project or spending money.
Further information and support
If you cannot complete the online form, we can offer different ways to tell us about your project. These include:
- an Easy Read version of the application form and guidance
- a PDF version of the application form
- sharing a video describing your project idea, rather than describing it in words
- a British Sign Language (BSL) version of the application form and guidance
If you need communication support, contact us.
If you would like further support from RVA with submitting a funding application or any support with governance required for your group to get ready for this funding, please email advice@rva.org.uk or telephone 0118 937 2273 for free and independent support and advice.