How to apply for a National Garden Scheme 2027 Community Garden Grant
The National Garden Scheme opens applications for its 2027 Community Garden Grants – generously supported by the Julia Rausing Trust – between Tuesday 29 September and Friday 30 October, 2026.
“The National Garden Scheme welcomes applications from projects that bring together people from different backgrounds and experiences, and from those that support disabled people or people living with long-term physical or mental health conditions. With all applications considered on their individual merits, awards between £1,500 and £5,000 will be granted,” says National Garden Scheme Chief Executive, Dr Richard Claxton.
“Please note that due to the popularity of the programme, once again, only the first 300 eligible applications will be considered, that’s why we are giving plenty of notice, allowing applicants to prepare their bids in good time.”
These hugely popular grants provide funding to gardeners from community groups in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands to create or complete a garden or similar project (such as an allotment) that has a horticultural focus for the benefit of the local community or charitable group. The aim should be to bring a community together by creating or developing a space that people can share, by the acquisition and sharing of gardening knowledge and skills, and by inspiring a love of gardening.
In 2026, 115 community garden projects were funded with grants totalling £287,960 supporting community gardens and allotments, rehabilitation and regeneration projects, gardens designed to support mental health and wellbeing, as well as training and development for young people.
National Garden Scheme Ambassador, TV presenter and garden designer aka The Black Gardener, Danny Clarke says: “These gardens can bring people of all generations, cultures and backgrounds together, to happily share knowledge and traditions. We want to see this funding going to the heart of communities, supporting projects that can act as the glue to bind communities together, reduce loneliness and isolation, and show many people – often for the first time, the huge benefits that gardens and gardening bring to their health, wellbeing and to the surrounding environment. There is nothing better for your mind, body and soul than being in a green space with like-minded people.”
The application process:
Guidelines on eligibility are available on the National Garden Scheme website HERE allowing interested groups six weeks before applications open to ask any questions they may have.
Submissions open on Tuesday 29 September and close at noon on Friday 30 October – however, due to the enormous popularity of the grants only the first 300 eligible submissions will be accepted for assessment and applications may close early.
Successful applicants will be notified of the results in April 2027.
For more details CLICK HERE
Pictured above is The Abeng Garden which received a Community Garden Grant – you can read more about them here: The Abeng Garden, Lewisham – National Garden Scheme
