Grant Directories

The Asda Foundation aims to transform communities and improve lives by providing independent grants and support to locally relevant community projects throughout the UK. Through the Investing in Spaces and Places Grant the foundation provides grants of between £5,000 and £25,000 towards improving community spaces in local communities across the UK. The group needs to own or lease the land/premises and it must be located within the community that the group is based. There are three options within this grant, groups can apply for one option or a mixture of all three: Building Repairs; Building Improvement/Development; Outdoor Improvement/Development.

The McCarthy Stone Foundation awards one-off grants to grassroots and volunteer-led charities and community organisations, CICs and social enterprises that support the wellbeing of older people, the educational needs of young people and the urban regeneration of communities across the UK. Through the Small Grants Programme, the Foundation provides grants of up to £5,000 for projects that will make a difference to those who need it most in local communities, particularly those recovering from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Greater London Authority distributes grants to support communities and civil society organisations. Through the Grow Back Greener Fund, the Authority provides grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 for projects across the capital that will make the city greener and more accessible to the local community, particularly those from disadvantaged or underrepresented groups such as BAME, lower income Londoners, and over-65. The Fund also aims to tackle climate change, to help reduce local flood risk, keep the city cool and provide shade, as well as providing habitat for wildlife, improving air quality, and storing carbon.

The East End Community Foundation distributes grants to voluntary and community sector organisations in Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham and the City of London.  The Foundation distributes funding from their own funds as well as working with corporate and statutory partners, and individuals to manage and administer grants programmes on their behalf.  Through the Isle of Dogs Grants Chest & Millwall Park Endowment Fund, grants of up to £10,000 are available for projects that must be for the purpose of “carrying out improvements to the environment & the provision or improvement of public leisure amenities & activities or in the absence of such needs, other charitable provision to benefit the local community in the Millwall Park Area.”

Grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 are available to schools, charities and other organisations in London to improve access to green spaces and nature. This could include creating a community garden, improving parks and other green spaces for people and wildlife; greening school playgrounds to create natural play space and protect children from air pollution; and creating pocket parks in urban areas; etc. 

The Metropolitan Public Gardens Association (MPGA) is a long established Charity that over the years has played a vital role in the preservation and improvement of gardens, neglected sites and green open spaces across London. The MPGA provides modest grants to those who want to improve the environment and quality of life for the local community. The MPGA works with a wide variety of groups, including local councils, schools, hospitals, hospices, museums, voluntary organizations and community groups on a range of projects. Example projects supported include: The Drop-in Bereavement Centre in the London Borough of Newham granted £500 to create a meditative garden; Christ Church School, Wandsworth, granted £359 for an outdoor gardening classroom.

The Metropolitan Public Gardens Association (MPGA) is a long established Charity which over the years has played a vital role in the preservation and improvement of countless gardens, neglected sites and green open spaces across London. The MPGA gives modest grants and practical assistance to organisations such as schools, hospices and community groups who share the desire to improve the environment and the quality of life for the local community and require funding towards improvement of neglected sites and refurbishment of gardens; including landscaping, seating and planting.

Artists Project Earth (APE) funds projects that tackle the effects of climate change.  Applications are welcomed from organisations working to prevent the causes of climate change; defend communities and ecosystems against the impacts of climate change; and support and build resilience for communities affected by natural disasters.

The Chestnut Fund is an independent charity, making grants available to encourage and enable community groups to carry out conservation activities. Groups must be part of the BTCV Community Network to qualify. The grants fall into two categories: Start-up grants - these are for groups who have no money when they are first set up and are available to groups in their first year of existence. The grant will enable them to begin practical work and will cover administrative expenses, e.g. postage, publicity, hire of meeting rooms, telephone bills and/or the first year of BTCV Community Network Membership plus Insurance fees. The maximum grant will be £150, and Support grants - these are for groups who have no money for tools, equipment and training. The maximum grant will be £350. Preference will be given to resources selected from BTCV sources. This grant is available to all BTCV Community Network groups, regardless of how long they have been members.

Reaching Communities provide grants to help improve local communities and the lives of people most in need, including hard to reach communities. There is a small revenue and a capital scheme and a larger buildings only fund. All projects must address one or more of the following outcomes. People have better chances in life, with better access to training and development to improve their life skills;  Stronger communities, with more active citizens, working together to tackle their problems;  Improved rural and urban environments, which communities are better able to access and enjoy; and Healthier and more active people and communities.