Deadline: 03-Aug-2026
The Greater Manchester Green Spaces Fund provides grants between £2,000 and £40,000 to support community-led projects that create or improve accessible, nature-rich green and blue spaces across Greater Manchester.
The programme focuses on improving public access to green spaces, supporting biodiversity, promoting wellbeing, and reducing environmental inequalities in disadvantaged communities.
Programme Focus Areas
The fund supports projects that:
- Create new green and blue spaces
- Improve existing parks and community areas
- Support biodiversity and nature recovery
- Increase access to quality green spaces
- Encourage community participation in nature activities
- Improve health and wellbeing through environmental projects
- Promote fair and inclusive environmental improvements
The initiative prioritises communities with limited access to quality green spaces.
Eligible Project Activities
Supported activities may include:
- Community gardens
- Orchards and allotments
- Green alleyways
- Small public parks
- Street greening projects
- Parklets and seating areas
- Opening unused land for community use
- Biodiversity and habitat improvements
- Water features such as ponds
Projects must deliver physical improvements to publicly accessible spaces.
Funding Available
Small Grants
- £2,000 to £15,000
Large Grants
- £15,001 to £40,000
Applicants should request only the amount needed to complete the project.
Programme Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Reduce inequalities in green space access
- Improve climate resilience and biodiversity
- Strengthen community wellbeing
- Support environmental recovery
- Increase public use of green and blue spaces
- Encourage community-led environmental action
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Community groups
- Unincorporated associations
- Registered charities
- Charitable incorporated organisations
- Social enterprises
- Community benefit societies
- Community interest companies
- Tenant and resident associations
- Schools and academy trusts
All projects must be located within Greater Manchester.
Priority Communities
The programme particularly prioritises:
- Disadvantaged urban communities
- Areas with poor access to green spaces
- Communities facing socio-economic challenges
Application Requirements
Applicants are expected to provide:
- Clear project descriptions
- Itemised budgets
- Project timelines
- Details of additional funding or in-kind support
- Information on community and environmental impact
Tips for Applicants
Strong applications should:
- Demonstrate clear community benefit
- Show long-term environmental impact
- Include realistic and detailed budgets
- Highlight biodiversity and accessibility improvements
- Demonstrate local community involvement
Projects with strong public access and inclusion outcomes may receive greater priority.
FAQ
How much funding is available?
Small grants range from £2,000 to £15,000, while large grants range from £15,001 to £40,000.
What types of projects are supported?
Community gardens, parks, allotments, biodiversity projects, green alleyways, and other publicly accessible green space improvements.
Who can apply?
Community organisations, charities, schools, social enterprises, resident associations, and similar groups in Greater Manchester.
Are projects on unused land eligible?
Yes. The programme supports transforming unused or brownfield land into accessible green spaces.
What communities are prioritised?
The fund prioritises disadvantaged communities and areas with limited access to quality green spaces.
Conclusion
The Greater Manchester Green Spaces Fund supports community-led environmental projects that improve access to nature, strengthen biodiversity, and enhance wellbeing across Greater Manchester. By funding inclusive green and blue space initiatives, the programme helps create healthier, more resilient, and environmentally sustainable communities.
For more information, visit Greater Manchester Environment Trust.