Volunteering Matters - Action Earth Awards

Action Earth supports communities across Scotland to take simple, practical steps towards a more nature-rich future. The programme is now open for 2026 applications, offering grants to help urban communities improve their local environment.

Delivered by Volunteering Matters and supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, Action Earth provides grants of up to £250 for volunteer-led projects in towns, cities and built-up areas. These grants support people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to take part in outdoor activities that enhance local green spaces and biodiversity.

Funded activities focus on nature enrichment, including creating or improving community gardens, wildflower meadows, ponds, woodlands and other wildlife habitats. Food growing cannot be the primary focus. All projects must be completed and feedback submitted by 28 February 2027.

The fund prioritise applications from volunteer groups that do any of the following:

• Work in areas where there is substantial social and/or economic deprivation.
• Improve and develop the health and wellbeing of their local community.
• Involve disabled people, vulnerable people and those at risk of exclusion.
• Encourage and involve people aged 26 or under in practical outdoor conservation.