Funds for nature recovery projects in Oxfordshire and Berkshire
The Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment funds local nature recovery projects run by community groups and not-for-profit organisations in Oxfordshire, and projects which increase species recording in Oxfordshire and Berkshire.
We have funded hundreds of projects since 2011. If you are looking for a grant of up to £25,000, you can find all the details you need to apply to our Local Environment Fund on this page.
We provide guidance and feedback from the very start of the application process to the completion of awarded projects. Whether this is the first time you have applied for a grant or you are a seasoned grant-holder, we are here to help at every stage. For support in developing an initial idea or filling out our application form, please get in touch with us.
Who can apply for funding?
We fund not-for-profit organisations including voluntary groups, parish councils, charities and community interest companies (CICs). Local authorities such as county and district councils may also apply for grants, but we prefer applications to be submitted by local community groups or charities.
How do I check my project’s eligibility and apply?
Before starting your application, please read our detailed guidance and contact us for an informal chat to check your project idea meets our funding criteria.
Our process summary document outlines how we assess applications and what grant holders need to do to claim their funding.
How do I apply?
TOE operates a quarterly funding cycle for standard (£1,000-£15,000) and transformational grants (£15,000-£25,000). Applicants learn the outcome before the end of the quarter in which they have applied.
We welcome applications for small grants (up to £1,000) at any time. Applicants will learn the outcome in just a couple of weeks.
Once you are ready to fill out an application form for your project, please download one here and email it alongside any supporting documentation to lef@trustforoxfordshire.org.uk
For grants between £15,000 - £25,000, you will be sent an expression of interest form after speaking with us if your idea meets our funding criteria. For more details, see our overview of the application process.
Application deadlines
Our next application deadline is 6 January, 2025. Submissions close at midday.
Our application deadlines for the next financial year will be 7 April, 7 July, 6 October and 5 January 2026.
During and after the project
We like to keep in touch with our grant holders while projects are being delivered, and are on hand to provide advice when the unexpected happens. When all the work has been completed, we process grant claims quickly.
We get back in touch with grant holders about a year after their project has finished to monitor its success and help advise future applicants through other groups’ experiences.
Unlike many funders, we welcome subsequent applications from groups who have successfully delivered projects.
“Thanks as ever for your help and for your advice - it’s always absolutely brilliant”
To see how our grant holders are helping nature recovery in Oxfordshire, see some of the successful completed projects we have funded.
“I don’t think anyone has ever given us such useful, practical and well focussed help as you have ... thank you so much.”