This summer, National Grid Electricity Distribution, in partnership with Localgiving, will support organisations that improve access to, protect, and enhance green spaces for local communities.

The latest phase of the highly impactful Community Matters Fund will provide £250,000 to support communities across the Midlands, Southwest England and South Wales to enhance their local environments and create healthier, more connected places is now accepting applications. 

The Fund opened on Tuesday 9th June and will close at 5pm on Friday 26th June. 

The fund will award grants of up to £2,000 for unregistered organisations. Registered charities and non-profit companies can apply for up to £5,000.

Why Green spaces? 

Green spaces can deliver many benefits to their communities. They support physical health by providing spaces for activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, and conservation work, among others. At the same time, they strengthen green infrastructure by encouraging people to leave their cars behind and choose walking or cycling instead.

They can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing, with green spaces shown to have restorative effects, reduce stress and encourage a sense of wellness and connection. Eco benefits are also clear, with spaces boosting biodiversity, protect threatened habitats and help mitigate climate change. Whilst they also strengthen community connections, improve accessibility, and create opportunities for employment and volunteering. Green spaces can also often host events which can bring together different sections of society.

For these reasons, National Grid believe that access to quality green spaces is important for both individual and communities and are proud to support organisations delivering positive impact in this area. 

What are we looking for?

Examples cited as being the sort of projects the fund is looking for are:

• Developing or redeveloping green spaces to encourage greater community use e.g. raised flowerbeds, living walls and pocket parks.
• Improving accessibility e.g. access pathways, ramps and seating in outdoor spaces
• Projects to improve biodiversity e.g. Bee banks, bird/bat boxes, wildflowers, ponds, trees, hedges, and projects to improve biodiversity.

Applications opened on Tuesday 9th June and will close at 5pm on Friday 26th June. Organisations that complete applications will be informed of their outcome by the end of July with funds distributed at the start of August.