The National Garden Scheme offers grants to help community groups, registered charities and Community Interest Companies create or develop community gardens and similar shared green spaces in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands. The programme is supported by the Julia Rausing Trust and aims to fund sustainable projects that benefit local people.
Who can apply?
- Fully established community groups, registered charities and Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- Organisations based in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or the Channel Islands
- Applicants with a functioning, non-personal bank account
- Groups developing an existing or proposed community garden or similar site where access to the space is secure
What can you get?
- Grants of between £1,500 and £5,000
- Funding for items including plants and containers, materials for beds and hard landscaping, greenhouses, polytunnels, sheds, seating and eligible garden tools
Deadline
30 October 2026 (12 noon)
Key notes
- Applications open on 29 September 2026, and only the first 300 eligible submissions will be considered.
- Local authorities, including parish councils, cannot apply, and groups funded through the scheme in the previous year are not eligible.
- Applications must include a detailed cost breakdown, drawings and/or photographs showing the whole site, and its approximate area or size.
- Proposals will be assessed on horticultural quality, long-term sustainability and project planning; sustainable gardening methods must be demonstrated.
- Successful applicants will be notified by email in April 2027 and should complete their project within a year of the grant being confirmed.