Small Eco Awards

What we want to fund to help nature and the environment

We want to fund projects that meet at least one of these priorities:

• help people connect with and care for nature in their area

• make a positive difference to the environment

• help people tackle pollution in their communities

Your project should do at least one of these things:

• help community organisations improve their impact on the environment (this can include your own organisation)

• help people to take action that reduces their community’s impact on the environment

• help communities adapt to the effects of climate change

• restore, enhance or create spaces for wildlife and people’s enjoyment of it

These aims align with our missions. When you complete your application, choose the mission ‘Communities are environmentally sustainable.’

Examples of projects and activities we could fund

Energy and carbon reduction

Projects and activities we could fund include:

• energy efficiency measures such heat pumps, insulation, upgraded windows or roofing

• installing solar panels and battery storage

• energy audits to identify how much energy is being used, when it’s consumed, where it’s wasted and opportunities to save money and resources

Nature and outdoor spaces

Projects and activities we could fund include:

• improving outdoor areas such as public spaces or outdoor gyms

• rewilding

• protecting, restoring or enhancing wildlife habitats

• improving access to open spaces to support health and wellbeing

• litter picking

Climate education and preparation

Projects and activities we could fund include:

• climate education activities that help people:

• understand the climate system

• understand human impacts on climate

• make informed decisions on climate-related issues

• make positive behavioural changes

• research projects that support longer-term environmental or climate interventions

• community resilience plans that help to prepare for climate related events such as floods or heat waves

• adaptation to buildings such as flood barriers or water-resistant floors

Sustainable living

Projects and activities we could fund include

• sustainable food projects such as community allotments

• activities that teach affordable and sustainable eating

• projects that encourage or support sustainable transport options

• waste reduction such as recycling, repair and reuse of materials

Visit Small Eco Awards | The National Lottery Community Fund to find out more and to apply.