Environment and sustainability

Question:
Environment and sustainability
Answer:

Our Space Award, Groundwork London

The Our Space Award (OSA) support projects in Greater London that make a significant contribution to one or more of the following social and environmental objectives:

  • Tree planting
  • Climate resilience and adaptations to climate change
  • Improvements to water quality and drainage through planting and reducing hard surfaces
  • Ecological and biodiversity benefits
  • Climate education alongside physical improvements
  • Improving air quality
  • Reducing health inequalities and social isolation

Eligibility

The OSA funds organisations, including unregistered groups, based in Greater London that want to clean and green the capital through active community engagement to increase a sense of ownership over London’s shared spaces.

The fund aims to reach groups who do not necessarily have a track record of fundraising and where the OSA would make up a substantial part of the project’s budget.

Funding amount

  • Small grants of £500 to £2,000
  • Standard grants of £2,000 to £5,000

Closing date

Monday 16 March at 12pm (midday)

More information

Visit the Our Space Award - Groundwork website for details and to apply.


Veolia Environmental Trust

Veolia Environmental Trust awards grants towards projects that improve community facilities and the natural environment. It looks to fund work that:

  • Promotes community action and wellbeing
  • Is inclusive and accessible to everyone and anyone to use
  • Inspires the creation of a sustainable carbon neutral community space
  • Protects and enhances biodiversity and natural habitats.

Eligibility and Funding amount

The Community Grant Scheme is available to constituted not-for-profit organisations. Grants of between £10,000 and £75,000 are available to create or improve buildings or outside spaces for the benefit of the community.

The Habitat and Biodiversity Grant Scheme is available to constituted not-for-profit organisations. Minimum grants of £10,000 are available for improvements to or the creation of natural habitats, creating a healthy environment where native species can thrive.

Closing date

The upcoming closing dates are:

  • 2 April 2026 at 12pm
  • 25 June 2026 at 12pm

More information

Visit the Funding - Veolia Environmental trust webpage for more information.


The Green Roots Fund

City Hall’s Green Roots Fund supports projects to create and improve green and blue infrastructure in London. It focuses on making the environment better for all Londoners, while addressing issues such as inequality, climate resilience, biodiversity and protecting against climate change.

The fund aims to:

  1. Enhance blue and green spaces in London. This means making London’s neighbourhoods healthier, more nature-rich and climate resilient, so they are higher quality and natural spaces are better connected.
  2. Include and involve Londoners in blue and green spaces. This means ensuring access to green and blue infrastructure and its benefits for all Londoners, so they feel welcome and comfortable in green, blue and natural spaces. It also means involving diverse groups in management and decision making.

Eligibility

Formally constituted organisations with an organisational bank account.

Funding amount

Grants of between £10,000 and £500,000 are available over three years.

Closing date

The next deadline is Thursday 28 May at 2pm

More information

Visit the Green Roots Fund webpage for more information.

Material Focus - Electricals Recycling Fund (UK)

Material Focus awards funding for projects that make it easier for UK householders to reuse and recycle their electrical goods. Through the Electricals Recycling Fund, grants of up to £100,000 are available for projects seeking to grow or develop existing household waste and recycling collection services for small household electricals, and grants of up to £50,000 for projects that seek to innovate new collection methods.

Eligibility

Any UK registered organisations including local authorities, waste collection authority areas, contractors, reuse organisations, not-for-profits, community sector organisations, producer compliance schemes, retailers and start-ups.

Funding amount

Grants of up to £100,000 are available for projects seeking to grow or develop existing household waste and recycling collection services for small household electricals.

Grants of up to £50,000 are available for projects that seek to innovate new collection methods.

Successful projects can spend funding on:

  • the purchase of new bins/collection points (‘bring banks’)
  • the adaptation of waste collection vehicles to include cages for kerbside WEEE
  • vehicle rental
  • installation of bins
  • communication and marketing materials
  • staffing costs to cover the time spent planning and delivering the project

Closing date

Applications can be submitted at any time.

More information

Please visit the Material Focus website.


Esmée Fairbairn: Our Natural World

Esmée Fairbairn Foundation aims to improve our natural world, secure a fairer future and strengthen the bonds in communities in the UK. It supports people and organisations who are doing everything they can to bring about the change the Foundation wants to see.

The Foundation’s grant funding is focused on work that will deliver long-term impact and create change for the future. This means it makes longer-term grants to organisations, rather than short-term or small-scale grants.

The Foundation’s current priorities under “Our Natural World” are Peat, Space for nature, Freshwater, Nature friendly farming and Fishing in tandem with nature.

Eligibility

Organisations with an annual turnover of more than £100,00.

Funding Amount

Grants valued from £30,000 (no maximum) are available for core or project costs, including staff salaries and overheads. Unrestricted funding for charities is available. The majority of grants are for three to five years.

Closing Date

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

More Information

Please visit Our Natural World priorities | Esmée Fairbairn Foundation for more information.


The NINEVEH Charitable Trust

The NINEVEH Charitable Trust supports a broad range of UK-based projects and activities that promote a better understanding of the environment and countryside, while facilitating improved access, education and research.

Its priorities are:

  • The health, welfare and education of the general public
  • The study and appreciation of agriculture, silviculture, ecology and land management
  • The study and appreciation of land and estate management that encourages conservation of the countryside.

Eligibility

UK registered charities and Community Interest Companies.

Funding amount

Applicants are advised to apply for up to £5,000 per year for up to 3 years.

Closing date

Applications are reviewed and selected on a quarterly basis.

More information

Please visit The Nineveh Charitable Trust website for more information.


Metropolitan Public Gardens Association (MPGA)

The MPGA has been giving small grants to community projects across the 33 London boroughs for over 130 years. Its funding enables Londoners to create better and greener public spaces in their communities. MPGA also gives horticultural advice when appropriate. 

Eligibility

Organisations and groups that maintain and improve public open spaces.

Funding amount

Grants of up to £1,500 are available.

Closing date

Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis and can be submitted at any time.

More information

Please visit the MPGA website.