How to Apply for a National Garden Scheme Community Garden Grant

Applications for the National Garden Scheme (NGS) 2027 Community Garden Grants open on Tuesday 29 September 2026 and close on Friday 30 October 2026. If you want to apply, the practical step to take now is to read the updated guidelines on ngs.org.uk before the window opens, because the application period is only about a month long and the guidelines set out what the scheme is looking for. The grants are supported by the Julia Rausing Trust.

Key dates and facts

What to do before you apply

1. Read the updated guidelines. The NGS says updated guidelines are available to read, and advises getting ready to apply. Treat these as the source of truth for eligibility, what the grant can fund, and what you need to submit.
2. Check your timing. The window runs from 29 September to 30 October 2026. Plan to submit within that period rather than before it opens.
3. Prepare your garden information. The NGS context is community and private gardens across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, so have a clear description of your garden project and its community benefit ready.
4. Apply during the window. Applications are only open between the two dates above; the guidelines page is the place to confirm the exact submission route.

Common sticking points

• The window is short. Roughly one month separates opening and closing, so drafting before 29 September 2026 avoids a rush.
• Guidelines may have changed. The NGS describes them as "updated," so don't rely on an older version.
• This is separate from opening your garden. Applying for a Community Garden Grant is a different process from the NGS garden-opening scheme, even though both sit under the same organisation.

For the definitive requirements and the application itself, use the Community Garden Grants page on ngs.org.uk.