Community and voluntary groups across the UK can now apply to the Grow Wild Community Programme, which is offering grants of £2,000 to help transform urban spaces for the benefit of people and wildlife.
The programme supports projects that focus on UK native plants or fungi, improve urban biodiversity and actively involve local communities. Around 23 groups will be funded in 2026.
Grow Wild is the national outreach learning initiative of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and works to protect plants and fungi for the wellbeing of people and the future of life on Earth.
What the funding is for
Projects should:
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Transform an urban space through planting and growing
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Use UK native plants or fungi
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Enhance biodiversity, with planting as a core activity
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Use sustainable materials and practices
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Have the potential to reach at least 300 people
Projects must also work with one or more of Grow Wild’s target audiences:
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Young people aged 12–25
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People experiencing disadvantage or reduced access to services
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People who are less engaged with their local community
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People who face barriers to connecting with nature
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Disabled people
How much funding is available
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£2,000 grant to deliver your project
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Funding can cover 100% of project-specific costs, including seeds, plants, soil, materials, events, workshops, specialist support and contractor costs
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Up to 25% of the grant can be used for staff costs linked directly to delivery
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Grants must be spent by end of October 2026
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Opportunity to apply for a £500 follow-on grant for spring 2027 to support ongoing activity
Match funding is not required.
Who can apply
Applications are open to UK not-for-profit organisations, including:
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Constituted voluntary or community groups and clubs
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Charities
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Not-for-profit companies
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Community Interest Companies (CICs)
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Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
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Community Benefit Societies
Groups must have:
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Two staff members or volunteers able to liaise with Grow Wild
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A bank account in the name of the organisation
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The ability to deliver and manage the project financially
What support is included
Successful groups will receive:
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Ongoing programme support from the Grow Wild team
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Access to online knowledge-sharing sessions and talks with guest experts, including contributors from Kew
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Opportunities to connect with other funded groups and share learning
How to apply
Applications for the 2026 Grow Wild Community Programme are now open.
Deadline: Tuesday 4 February 2026 at 3.00pm
Full guidance and the application form are available on the Grow Wild website:
https://growwild.kew.org/community-programme
For enquiries, contact Grow Wild:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 020 8332 3842
This fund is a strong opportunity for Leeds and UK-based groups looking to connect people with nature, improve urban spaces and grow community involvement through practical, creative projects.
