The National Lottery Community Fund is offering Small Eco Awards grants to support grassroots environmental action and community-led projects designed to deliver local environmental and social outcomes.

The awards are intended for projects that meet at least one of the scheme priorities: helping people connect with and care for nature in their area, making a positive difference to the environment or helping people tackle pollution in their communities.

Grants of between £300 and £20,000 are available.

Support is aimed at organisations with a formal structure, including constituted voluntary or community organisations, groups or clubs, registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations (CIO), not-for-profit companies, community interest companies (CIC) and community benefit societies. Schools can apply where a project benefits the local community rather than only the school, while sports groups are eligible if activities are open to the wider community. Statutory bodies, including local authorities, town, parish and community councils, can also apply.

Projects must be based in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales.

The grant can be used to start a new activity or continue an existing one where it aligns with the priorities. It can also support work to help organisations or communities adapt to new challenges, as well as one-off events with a clear environmental benefit.

Eligible costs include specialist support such as advice from a nature or environmental organisation, equipment, staffing and training, transport and utilities, volunteer expenses and organisational running costs. Small-scale land or capital work is also covered, including refurbishment and adaptations intended to improve environmental impact.