The Julia Rausing Trust announced a £1.5 million grant to the National Garden Scheme for their Community Garden Grants programme.
Funding began in 2025 and will help support the hundreds of applications that are handled by the Scheme each year.
This funding will not only aid multiple gardening projects across England, Wales and Northern Ireland but will also provide greater access to green spaces, and the health benefits of gardening, to the surrounding communities.
These were important causes to Julia Rausing and this grant ensures her legacy and philanthropic vision continues.
Grants will only be made to bodies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The following bodies are not eligible:
• Local authorities (including parish councils)
• Schools (including pre-schools)
Applications from groups that were successful in securing a National Garden Scheme Community Garden Grant in the prior year will also not be considered.
Applicants must be a fully set up community group, registered charity or Community Interest Company (CIC) with a functioning non-personal bank account.
The following items would be eligible for funding:
• Plants and containers
• Materials for flower or vegetable beds and other hard landscaping
• Greenhouses, polytunnels and sheds
• Seating
• Hand tools and certain garden power tools (eg strimmers)
• Materials for providing refreshments
The following items are not eligible for funding:
• Salaries or wages
• Volunteer expenses
• Promotional costs (e.g. production, printing of leaflets) or signage
• Hire of large mechanical tools (e.g. large shredder, JCB etc.)
• Transport to visit gardens
• Insurance
• Educational course fees or training cost
Applications for the 2026 round are now closed. 2027 grant applications will open in September.
