This fund is managed by the South Downs National Park Trust in partnership with the South Downs National Park Authority and will allocate grants of up to £10,000 through its grant panel.
Partnerships and constituted not-for-profit organisations (which include social enterprises, community interest companies and voluntary organisations) and for-profit organisations (projects cannot be for financial gain to the business) can apply for funding if their project contributes to the South Downs National Park Partnership Management Plan.
Grants are available for up to 50% of the project cost from £500 to a maximum of £10,000. Please note that the criteria of the fund are regularly reviewed and may change without notice. South Downs National Park Trust is not obliged to consider applications under criteria which were in place when an enquiry or expression of interest was made. The Sustainable Communities Fund will allocate large grants of £2,001-£10,000 at its panel meetings which take place twice every year (budget depending). Small grants of up to £2,000 can also be applied for up to twice a year (budget depending).
Need inspiration?
Have a look at some of our recently funded projects – which feature a selection of previous beneficiaries.
Application deadlines
The Large Grant application window is now open until 16th March 2025. Decisions will be made at the end of April.
The next deadlines for small grants are 31st May 2025 (for early July decision) and 31st October 2025 (for early December decision).
Application forms are not available online as we prefer to talk to you about your project before an application is made. Please read the fund Information Sheet and complete a Project Enquiry Form if you are interested in this funding.
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.