Local Environment Fund
Supporting Oxfordshire communities to take action to restore nature and promote public access to green spaces.
This is TOE’s original grant programme for community groups and other charitable or non-profit organisations throughout Oxfordshire.
Grants of up to £25,000 can be used to deliver projects that support at least one of the following priorities: Access, Biodiversity and Community.
We award Small Grants of up to £1,000, grants of £1,000-£15,000 and Transformational Grants of up to £25,000.
Access Projects
Projects that improve public access to green spaces and the countryside, helping people connect with nature.
Examples: Creating new links; circular routes and traffic-free routes; Replacing stiles with gates; Improving path surfaces and route marking.
Biodiversity Projects
Projects that create, protect and enhance natural habitats, allowing wildlife to thrive and supporting nature’s recovery.
Projects that improve the quality, quantity and coverage of species recording by volunteers are funded by TVERC.
Examples: planting new woods; hedgerow restoration; creating ponds; restoring meadows; and improving green spaces.
Community Projects
Projects in Oxfordshire’s towns and villages which bring wildlife into a more urban environment and help people to engage with the natural world.
Examples: Community gardens and orchards; bee-friendly flower beds; wildflower networks.
Case Studies
TOE has funded over 400 projects to benefit Oxfordshire’s environment. Take a look at some of our case studies for more inspiration…
Just click on a photo below to take you to the relevant case study page.
Who can apply?
TOE can fund not-for-profit organisations including voluntary groups, Parish Councils, charities and Community Interest Companies. Local Authorities such as County and District Councils may also apply for grants, but TOE prefers applications to be submitted by local community groups or charities.
How to apply for a grant
Before starting an application, please read our Detailed Guidance and contact us for an informal chat to check your project idea meets our funding criteria.
We recommend speaking to us at an early stage to check we can fund your project and let you know which application form you need to complete.
We have quarterly funding rounds. Our next application deadlines this financial year are 1 July 2024, 7 October 2024 and 6 January 2025. Submissions close at midday.
Our Process Summary document outlines how we assess applications and what grants holders need to do to claim their funding.
Plant a Tree
Grants are available through the Local Environment Fund to plant trees and to establish native, species-rich woodland habitats across the county including new hedges, a community orchard or woodland.
Before applying for a grant, please consult the guidance produced by the Oxfordshire Lieutenancy which includes practical advice and a list of local suppliers.
See here for more information about how to make a donation to our Plant a Tree campaign.