CFPs: UK-wide Grow Wild Youth Grant Programme

Deadline: 18-Mar-2026

The UK-wide Grow Wild Youth Grant Programme invites young people to develop projects promoting UK native plants and fungi. Successful applicants receive a £500 grant, online support, and opportunities to connect with peers, while participating in the Kew Young Environmental Leader Award to enhance environmental leadership skills.

Programme Overview

The Grow Wild Youth Grant Programme empowers young individuals across the UK to turn ideas into action for biodiversity. The initiative encourages projects that:

• Promote UK native plants and fungi

• Actively involve others, targeting at least 100 participants

• Deliver meaningful benefits to local communities

• Make effective use of a £500 grant

• Are ambitious yet feasible within the programme timeframe (May–October 2026)

By participating, young people gain practical experience, national recognition, and environmental leadership skills.

Funding and Support

• Grant Amount: £500 per project

• Use of Funds: Materials, equipment, resources, training, or expert support

• Additional Support: Online guidance sessions and resources from Grow Wild

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers nationwide and feature work in a collective portfolio

Eligibility and Requirements

• Applicants: Young individuals with an idea for a project promoting UK native plants or fungi

• Supporting Organisation: Not-for-profit or charitable body with proper governance, safeguarding, and financial arrangements

• Responsibilities of Supporting Organisations:

  • Oversee project delivery

  • Manage grant funds

  • Ensure health, safety, and accessibility

  • Supervise under-18s or vulnerable participants where applicable

Project Timeline:

• Start: May 2026

• Completion: End of October 2026

• Application Deadline: 3pm, Wednesday, 18 March 2026

How to Apply

Step 1: Develop Project Idea

• Define the project name, concept, location, delivery plan, and community benefits

• Identify a supporting organisation to manage the grant and project safety

Step 2: Create a Short Video

• Maximum 2 minutes in length

• Explain project idea, delivery plan, community impact, and grant usage

• No professional equipment required; applicant does not need to appear on camera

Step 3: Submit Application Online

• Complete the online form with applicant and supporting organisation details

• Include required safeguarding documentation

Notification: Applicants will be informed of outcomes by the end of April 2026.

Kew Young Environmental Leader Award

All funded participants are invited to take part in the Kew Young Environmental Leader Award, delivered by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The award provides:

• Structured guidance and feedback on project planning and delivery

• Recognition of environmental leadership achievements

• Opportunities to strengthen CVs or portfolios

• Additional support to develop skills in community engagement, biodiversity education, and environmental advocacy

Tips for Success

• Ensure the project actively involves at least 100 participants

• Clearly demonstrate community benefits and environmental impact

• Plan the project to fit within the May–October 2026 timeframe

• Work closely with a supporting organisation to ensure safeguarding, accessibility, and safe delivery

• Use the £500 grant strategically to maximize project outcomes

• Keep the video concise, clear, and engaging, focusing on project objectives and impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the grant?
   Young individuals in the UK with a project idea promoting native plants or fungi, supported by a suitable not-for-profit or charitable organisation.

2. How much funding is available per project?
   £500, which can be used for materials, resources, training, or expert support.

3. What are the project timeline and deadlines?
   Projects start in May 2026, must finish by the end of October 2026, and applications close 3pm, 18 March 2026.

4. Is a video required for the application?
   Yes, a short video (maximum 2 minutes) explaining the project, delivery plan, and grant usage is mandatory.

5. What type of supporting organisation is required?
   A not-for-profit or charitable organisation with governance, safeguarding, and financial arrangements capable of overseeing the project safely.

6. What benefits do funded participants receive?
   Funding, online support, networking opportunities, and participation in the Kew Young Environmental Leader Award.

7. Do applicants need professional video equipment or appear on camera?
   No, the video can be simple and applicants do not need to appear on camera.

Conclusion

The Grow Wild Youth Grant Programme 2026 provides young people with a unique opportunity to champion UK native plants and fungi, gain practical experience, and strengthen environmental leadership skills. Through funding, mentorship, and participation in the Kew Young Environmental Leader Award, applicants can create meaningful biodiversity projects, engage communities, and develop skills that support long-term environmental impact.

For more information, visit Grow Wild.