Bupa Foundation Green Community Grants Open for 2026 Applications

Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations are being encouraged to apply for the latest round of the Bupa Foundation Green Community Grants, which has now opened for its fourth year.

This popular funding programme offers grants of £500 to £2,000 to support practical, community-led projects that deliver benefits for both people’s health and the environment.

Supporting healthier people and a healthier planet

The Green Community Grants programme aims to back local initiatives that improve access to green spaces and promote wellbeing through nature-based solutions. Projects across the UK — including those in cities — are particularly encouraged, with a focus on regenerating and creating accessible, community green spaces.

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered charities
• Not-for-profit organisations
• Non-fee paying schools
• Local authorities
• Social housing providers

Applications are open to organisations across the UK, Channel Islands, and the Republic of Ireland.

Priority for areas of greatest need

For 2026, priority will be given to projects that:

• Enhance or create green spaces in urban areas, particularly in: London, Staines, Brighton, Leeds, Greater Manchester (especially Salford), Dublin and Glasgow
• Take place in communities within the top 20% most deprived areas, based on Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD)
• Have not previously received funding from the Bupa Foundation Green Community Grants
• Clearly demonstrate how the project will improve both community wellbeing and environmental health

This emphasis reflects growing recognition of the role green spaces play in tackling health inequalities and supporting sustainable communities.

What types of projects can be funded?

A wide range of practical, community-focused initiatives are eligible. Examples include:

• Improving or expanding community gardens
• Volunteer-led tree or wildflower planting to boost biodiversity and air quality
• Creating outdoor classrooms, forest schools or natural play spaces
• Installing green or living walls in community or school settings
• Planting schemes to reduce flooding risks
• Developing community food growing spaces
• Enhancing accessibility to existing green areas
• Creating ‘pocket parks’ in urban environments

Projects should be community-led, deliver clear environmental benefits, and contribute positively to local health and wellbeing.

Key dates and funding process

Application deadline: 30 June 2026 (23:59)

Funding decisions announced by: End of September 2026

Project completion deadline: End of April 2027

The programme is administered by Groundwork UK on behalf of the Bupa Foundation. Around 175 projects are expected to receive funding this year.

Click to find out more or to Apply

Get involved

With increasing demand for accessible green spaces and community wellbeing initiatives, this funding is a valuable opportunity for VCSE organisations to bring forward ideas that make a tangible difference locally.

Organisations considering applying should ensure their proposal clearly demonstrates:

• Community need
• Measurable health and environmental impact
• Strong local engagement and sustainability