Funding for Community Environmental Projects (UK)
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to charities, social enterprises, and community groups for projects that connect communities with nature, aiming to improve physical and mental wellbeing while fostering positive action on climate change. Eligible initiatives may include arts and cultural activities, community gardening, green gyms, mental health support, conservation volunteering, green skills training, and efforts to enhance access to urban and natural green spaces. The funding is made available through the Naturesave Trust. Applications are open until 12pm on 15 July 2025.
Rewilding Innovation Fund Opens for Applications (England, Scotland and Wales)
Rewilding Britain, a charity focused on nature restoration, has re-opened its Rewilding Innovation Fund, which offers grants of up to £15,000 to support innovative rewilding projects across Britain. The fund is available to projects that are part of Rewilding Britain’s Rewilding Network (applicants can join at the time of application) and aim to apply rewilding principles to benefit nature, climate, and people. Projects must cover at least 40 hectares; however, marine-based projects can be of any size. The fund was established to support the growing number of rewilding initiatives in Britain, enabling them to address challenges such as securing funding and gaining public support. The closing date for applications is 29 August 2025.
John Ellerman Foundation Launches New Funding Strategy Focusing on Social Justice and the Environment (UK)
UK charities with annual incomes between £100,000 and £10 million can apply for grants of up to £180,000 from the John Ellerman Foundation, which has launched a new funding strategy for 2025–2030 that offers multi-year support for work with national relevance. The Foundation now funds projects addressing the triple planetary crisis—climate, pollution, and nature—while also fostering trust and connection to reduce polarisation and increase political participation, advancing economic models that benefit both people and the planet, and promoting equity and justice for marginalised communities. Funding is available for core costs over up to five years, with rolling applications and a two-stage process: a brief initial proposal is followed by a more detailed submission for shortlisted applicants, with final decisions made at regular board meetings.
Grants of up to £40,000 Available for Tree Planting Projects Outside of Woodlands (England)
Local authorities and registered charities in England can apply for grants ranging from £10,000 to £40,000 to fund projects that expand tree canopy cover outside woodlands. The Trees Outside Woodland Fund, managed by The Tree Council in partnership with the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, supports initiatives such as urban tree planting to improve air quality, creating tree-lined avenues to enhance public spaces, and establishing community orchards for local food production and community engagement. These efforts aim to boost green spaces, biodiversity, and community well-being. The application process is two-stage: first, submit an expression of interest (accepted until 31 October 2025 or until funding is allocated), followed by a full application for shortlisted projects.
Grants for the Planting of Trees, Hedges & Orchards (UK)
Schools, community groups, parish and town councils, and tree warden networks within the UK can apply for grants of up to £2,500 to work with communities and young people in planting and caring for trees, hedges, and orchards. The funding made available through the Tree Council’s Branching Out Fund will cover the costs of trees, hedges, and orchards, as well as the reasonable costs of non-plastic protection and supports, including peat-free compost and/or soil improvers. The closing date for applications is midnight on 14 November 2025.
Funding to Make Scotland’s Urban and Rural Communities More Sustainable (Scotland)
To help urban and rural communities to become more resilient and sustainable, the National Lottery Community Fund is awarding grants of between £5,000 and £1 million to enable voluntary, community and public sector organisations to take ownership of land and buildings.
Successful applicants will clearly demonstrate that their project will help their local community to:
- achieve more sustainable economic, environmental and/or social development through ownership of land and buildings
- have a stronger role in and control over their own development
- own well-managed, financially sustainable land and buildings.
Delivered in partnership with the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The Scottish Land Fund enables both urban and rural communities to successfully manage local land and land assets to meet local need and deliver benefit for the whole community.
Applicants can be from one of a wide range of representative community bodies, including voluntary organisations, social enterprises or community councils.
Practical support will also be provided to help communities to develop their aspirations into viable projects.
Applications can be made at any time.