Aims/priorities: This fund will support projects that take place within Greater Manchester and make the city-region greener, whilst tackling inequalities in access to green spaces and improving accessible spaces through physical improvements to make them better places for nature and people. These projects can take place in parks, community gardens, streets, schools, housing estates, canals/streams/rivers, and existing nature reserves.
The fund is focused on three principles:
- To benefit communities in greatest need of quality green and/or blue (water based) spaces.
- To tackle the biodiversity emergency.
- To encourage and empower communities to get involved with nature.
Who can apply? Formally constituted groups with a bank account can apply, such as:
- Community Groups, associated or unincorporated community associations.
- Registered charities, including charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs).
- Social enterprises or community benefit societies.
- Community interest companies (CICs).
- Tenant and or resident associations or groups of residents.
- Schools and academy trusts.
Applicants must provide:
- A bank statement dated with in three months.
- A safeguarding policy (adults and children – if applicable).
- A health and safety policy.
- A photo consent policy/form for project participants.
- Their public liabilities insurance (cost can be included in budget).
- Their employer’s insurance (if applicable).
- A volunteer policy (recommended).
- A risk assessment (recommended).
Groups who have been funded by the Green Spaces Fund in rounds 3 – 5 may not apply to round 6.
Grant amount: A total of £2.6 million is available.
Two levels of funding are available:
- Small grants between £2,000 and £15,000.
- Large grants of between £15,001 and £40,000.
Application process: Guidance notes and the online grants portal can be found on the Greater Manchester Environment Fund website.
Groups seeking advice or support with their application may contact their local advisor directly. The 2025 local contact details are in the guidance notes.
Deadline: Applications for Round 6 are accepted from 12 May 2025 to 14 August 2025.
Contact information: Email: GSFAdvisors@groundwork.org.uk