National Lottery Community Fund announces new strategy and funding
The National Lottery Community Fund, the UK’s largest community funder, has revealed its new strategy and funding initiatives. The fund aims to have a significant impact on key social issues facing the UK through four missions. It will “turbo charge” support for grassroots projects by doubling to £20,000 the funding amount and term of its small grants programme, National Lottery Awards for All. Additionally, £15 million will be allocated to a programme connecting communities, and £9 million will be invested in climate action. The new strategy, “It starts with community,” underpins the fund’s goal of distributing at least £4 billion of National Lottery funding by 2030. The fund will focus on communities experiencing poverty, disadvantage, and discrimination. The strategy is the result of extensive consultation involving thousands of stakeholders.
Find out more on the National Lottery Community Fund website
Funding for Community-Led Tree Planting Projects
Schools, community groups, and other not for profit organisations in the UK can apply for grants for community-led tree-planting projects. The International Tree Foundation provides funding through the UK Community Tree Planting Programme to conserve and protect native species while raising awareness of trees’ importance to the environment and well-being.
Two funding tiers are available:
- Small scale grants of up to £1,000 for projects lasting 1 year or less, such as community woodlands, orchards, or hedging;
- Larger scale grants for projects involving 1,000 to 10,000 trees, with a maximum cost of £1.50/tree suitable for community woodlands or hedging.
Trees must be planted in publicly accessible spaces like schools, parks, or sites managed by community groups. Applications are accepted until 15 December 2023.
Find out more on the International Tree Foundation’s website