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FUNDING: Grow Wild Youth Grants Now Open
Exciting news for young environmental changemakers! Grow Wild is once again offering £500 Youth Grants to support creative projects celebrating the importance of UK native plants and fungi.
This is a fantastic opportunity for young people across the UK to turn their ideas into action — combining creativity, community engagement, and nature.
What Is the Fund About?
Grow Wild is looking to support original and inspiring projects that highlight why UK native plants and/or fungi are so special.
Projects must:
- Focus on UK native plants and/or fungi
- Be creative and engaging
- Involve at least 100 other people (either in person or online)
- Start from May 2026
- Be completed by the end of October 2026
The £500 grant is flexible and can be used for:
Equipment and materials
- Training
- Resources
- Expert support
- Other costs that help bring the project to life
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to young people who:
- Are aged 16 to 25
- Live in the UK
- Have a supporting organisation to help deliver the project
- Supporting organisations could include:
- Schools
- Universities
- Youth clubs
- Local community groups
- VCSE organisations
For VCSE organisations working with young people, this presents a great opportunity to partner with and empower young leaders to design and deliver a nature-focused project within your community.
Information Webinar
A webinar will be held on:
24 February 2026
12:30 – 13:15
Registration is required and is strongly encouraged for anyone considering applying.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 18 March 2026 at 15:00
- Project delivery window: May – October 2026
Why This Matters for the VCSE Sector
This funding is not just about planting seeds — it’s about nurturing young leadership, creativity, and environmental awareness. VCSE organisations can play a crucial role in supporting young people to develop ideas, manage projects, and engage wider communities.
If you work with young people who are passionate about nature, sustainability, biodiversity, or creative engagement, this could be the perfect opportunity to support them in leading meaningful change.
