Deadline: 17-Dec-2025
The National Lottery Community Fund is inviting applications for its Awards for All England program in the field of environment. This initiative is designed to support community-led projects that improve the natural environment and help people connect with and enjoy nature in their local areas. The fund is particularly focused on projects that protect nature while engaging communities to take part in caring for their surroundings.
Projects that are eligible for funding must align with one or both of the following aims: helping people connect with and care for nature in their area, or making a positive impact on the environment. The grants range from £300 to £20,000, and projects can run for up to two years. The funding can be used to start new activities, continue existing ones, adapt to new challenges, or organize one-off events that provide a clear environmental benefit.
However, there are certain activities and projects that are not eligible for funding. For instance, school-based projects that primarily benefit pupils, such as outdoor classrooms or sensory gardens with limited public access, will not be funded. Similarly, garden makeovers by students as part of a course, or one-off festivals that include a sustainability theme but lack core environmental activities, are not considered suitable for this grant.
Eligible projects must go beyond individual or educational benefits to offer a broader community impact. Examples of projects that will not be funded include installing solar panels at a private sports venue that is not widely accessible, international educational competitions with no local impact, or in-school environmental lessons that replicate existing curriculum content without added community value.
Organizations eligible to apply include constituted voluntary or community groups, registered charities, charitable incorporated organizations (CIOs), not-for-profit companies, community interest companies (CICs), community benefit societies, and statutory bodies such as town or parish councils. Schools may also apply, provided their project serves the wider community and not just the school itself.
Applications from individuals, sole traders, or organizations based outside the UK are not accepted. For-profit companies, including Companies Limited by Shares, are also ineligible. Furthermore, organizations that already have an active Awards for All grant, have received £20,000 from the program in the past 12 months, or are awaiting a decision on another application are not eligible. Applications submitted through private businesses or consultants will not be considered.
This funding opportunity encourages grassroots environmental initiatives with a clear community focus, aiming to foster long-term relationships between people and nature.
For more information, visit Community Fund.
