This Summer National Grid Electricity Distribution, in partnership with Localgiving, will be supporting 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.

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. 

The Community Matters Fund (Green Spaces) is now open to community organisations in National Grid’s distribution area, across the Midlands, Southwest England and South Wales, with projects supporting underserved or vulnerable groups to overcome barriers to accessing and benefiting from green spaces particularly encouraged.

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.

National Grid Electricity Distribution provides electricity to eight million customers across the Midlands, South West England, and South Wales. Funding is available for registered charities, charitable companies, and unregistered community organisations based in these locations.

-----> Start your application 

If you are an existing Localgiving member then simply log into your account, a link to the application form can be found by clicking on the ‘Find Grants’ section of your account displayed on the left-hand side of your dashboard and then clicking on the "Localgiving Grants" tab.

Further information about the process can be found in our Guidance Document which includes important eligibility information and FAQs.

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. 

-----> Start your application 

Have questions or need additional help, then Contact Us today and our Community Team will be happy to assist.