Small grants

What our small grants aim to achieve 

1. Children and young people are spending more time outdoors learning about the Forest
2. People and communities are connecting with the Forest through participation in creative activities 
3. Communities and volunteers are engaged in creating and managing woodland and green spaces for people and wildlife
4. People's health and wellbeing is improved through participating in activities related to the Forest
5. Local woodlands, pathways and green spaces are accessible and used by a wider range of people
6. Small businesses* and enterprises are innovating and diversifying in response to the forested landscape and reducing their carbon footprint
7. Businesses and communities are developing their knowledge and skills to support the Forest economy
8. Awareness of the National Forest is growing amongst visitors and residents

* Small businesses are defined as those with 50 employees or less.

Are our small grants right for you?

• Projects must support our work to inspire and engage National Forest communities and visitors; or help grow sustainable businesses that are connected to the Forest
• Projects must be delivered in the National Forest or benefit its communities and businesses
• We can fund grants ranging from £500 to £10,000, although we normally request match funding or in-kind support
• We cannot fund work that has already started or business as usual

Applications are accepted throughout the year, but it is a competitive process so please talk with us as soon as you have a project idea.

Apply for funding

Use our apply for a grant form and one of our helpful team will respond with advice on how to take your idea forward. 

If you're not sure yet whether you can apply for our grants or are simply looking for some advice, then feel free to get in touch.