Charities and not-for-profit organisations in England and Wales can apply for grants of up to £5,000 for projects that help disadvantaged people connect with nature and the countryside.
The funding, made available through the CLA Charitable Trust, supports projects that improve the physical and mental health and well-being of disadvantaged people by helping them visit and participate in recreational and educational opportunities in the countryside.
This includes but is not limited to the following:
- Farms providing day or residential experiences for disabled or disadvantaged young people.
- Growing projects, including horticultural therapy and community projects supporting people through outdoor activities and gardening.
- Forest school-type activities give people the opportunity to use their outdoor spaces to benefit their mental and physical well-being.
- Conservation and environmental projects giving people the chance to learn about the natural environment and how to care for it.
Priority is given to projects focusing on children and young people who are disadvantaged financially, physically, mentally, or from areas of deprivation.
Funding can be used to support projects, capital works and running costs.
To start the application process, organisations are required to complete an expression of interest form available on the CLA Charitable Trust website (link below).
https://www.cla.org.uk/about-cla/charitable-trust