Three new grants, offering differing levels of funding to help improve the natural environment, are now available.
Funding for projects designed to improve the natural environment (Scotland)
Environmental organisations, community groups, land owners and farmers can apply for a share of £1.8 million funding for projects designed to improve the natural environment. Through the Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland programme, grants of up to £240,000 will be available to help organisations and partnerships to develop a viable business case and financial model, to attract investment in projects that can restore and improve the natural environment, such as woodland creation, marine enhancement and peatland restoration. The fund, which is being supported by the Scottish Government and NatureScot, working in partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, opened for expressions of interest on the 28 February 2023. The application process will close in mid-June 2023.
Find out more
Funding available for urban nature projects (UK)
Grants of up to £2,000 are being offered to seven community, youth and voluntary groups from across the UK that want to bring local people together to transform an urban space by sowing and growing UK native wildflowers and/or plants. The funding, which is being made available through the charity Grow Wild, will support activities and costs such as seeds, plants, soil, materials, events, workshops, specialist experts, and volunteer costs. Successful groups will receive their Community Grant funding around the end of May and projects need to be completed by the end of October 2023. Secondary schools, resident’s groups, community associations, and health authorities/health boards are also eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is 10am on the 24 March 2023.
Find out more
Climate Action Fund – Nature and Climate
The National Lottery Community Fund aims to help communities across the UK to address climate change.
It’s looking for projects that focus on the link between nature and climate and wants to fund projects that use nature to encourage more community-led climate action. The projects are expected to bring other important social and economic benefits, like the creation of strong, resilient and healthy communities or the development of ‘green’ skills and jobs.
Applications can come from:
- local partnerships
- UK-wide partnerships which are delivered across at least two UK countries (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales).
The funding is up to £1.5 million over 2 to 5 years, with most projects between £300,000 and £500,000. Development grants of £50,000 to £150,000 over 12 to 18 months. The application deadline is ongoing.
Find out more
Information on other funding available from the National Lottery Community Fund can be found on their website