South Downs National Park Trust

The South Downs National Park Trust, established in 2017 as the official independent charity for the South Downs National Park spanning Hampshire, West Sussex, and East Sussex, amplifies the National Park Authority's efforts to protect, enhance, and promote enjoyment of this vital landscape. Its mission centers on nature recovery, heritage preservation, education, inclusive access, and community well-being, guided by core values of environmental stewardship, community engagement, inclusivity, and strong governance. Distinctively aligned with the Partnership Management Plan, it drives ambitious goals like 33% land for nature by 2030 through landscape-scale projects, convening partners from charities to social enterprises.

It funds practical, partnership-based initiatives including nature recovery (e.g., ReNature grasslands, Pounds for Ponds, Trees for the Downs), outdoor learning for youth (Youth Action Fund, Outdoor Learning Grants), community volunteering (Volunteer Conservation Fund), climate action, walking/cycling access improvements, and cultural heritage projects. Beneficiaries encompass local communities, young people, schools, volunteers, and landowners, with outcomes focused on biodiversity gains, public engagement, climate resilience, and healthy communities.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, community groups, social enterprises, and parish councils delivering tangible benefits strictly within the Park; grassroots to medium-sized groups are preferred, with no strict income limits but justification needed for reserves. Typical grants range £500–£10,000 (up to 50% project costs), requiring match funding. Applications start with phone discussions with a Ranger or Grants Officer, followed by invited forms; major rounds meet biannually, next in 2026.

Exclusions cover core funding, private profit, or projects not enhancing Park qualities; it uniquely emphasizes ranger advice, outcomes measurement, and collaborative interventions for enduring impact.