This fund is managed by the South Downs National Park Trust in partnership with the South Downs National Park Authority and will allocate small grants through its grant panel.
We welcome applications from partnerships, constituted not-for-profit organisations — including social enterprises, community interest companies and voluntary organisations — and for-profit organisations, where the project is not for financial gain. Projects should support the aims of the South Downs National Park Partnership Management Plan.
Grants can cover up to 50% of project costs, from £500 to £5,000. Larger grants of up to £10,000 may be available where a project has been co-designed with teams at the South Downs National Park Authority.
Applications are considered by a panel made up of trustees, South Downs National Park Authority Members and independent community representatives. The fund aims to support small-scale projects across as many different areas of the National Park as possible, helping more communities and places benefit from the fund. The panel particularly welcomes new applicants and localised projects at a smaller scale. The annual budget is approximately £35,000.
Need inspiration?
Have a look at some of our recently funded projects – which feature a selection of previous beneficiaries.
Applications
If you are thinking about applying, please get in touch with us by submitting an enquiry form. This gives us the chance to talk through your idea, check that it aligns with the Partnership Management Plan, and best practice conservation. Application forms are made available when we have been able to review your enquiry and check for eligibility and alignment. To start the conversation, please complete an enquiry form and return it to grants@southdowns.gov.uk.
Please allow enough time for this discussion. If you submit an enquiry within six weeks of a deadline, we may advise you to apply in a later round.
The next application deadlines are Monday 14 September 2026 and Monday 1 March 2027. Decisions are made 8 weeks after application, which allows time for consultation with staff and the funding panel.
The Sustainable Communities Fund Endowment has been established through the generosity of our founding donors:
- Oliver Haarmann
- Badr Jafar and Razan Al Mubarak
- Simon and Harriett Patterson
- Franck R Petitgas
- James and Biance Pitt
- Charles and Jans Rolls
- Gordon and Jennifer Singer
- James Tuttiett Charitable Trust
Visit the Grants page to discover other funding available from South Downs Trust.