The Hannah Corne Green Futures Fund (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 28-Sep-2026

The Hannah Corne Green Futures Fund supports neighbourhood-based climate action projects that help create healthier, greener, and more hopeful futures for local communities across the United Kingdom. Established in memory of Leeds Community Foundation colleague Hannah Corne, the fund supports practical local initiatives that connect communities with nature, address environmental challenges, and promote community wellbeing. Grants of up to £2,000 are available for projects lasting up to one year.

About the Hannah Corne Green Futures Fund

The fund was established in memory of Hannah Corne, whose passion for communities and the outdoors inspired the creation of a funding program focused on local climate action. It aims to support communities in developing practical responses to environmental challenges while creating healthier and more positive places to live. The fund focuses on neighbourhood-level projects that can: - Address local environmental challenges. - Improve access to nature and green spaces. - Reduce carbon emissions. - Encourage sustainable travel. - Promote repair, reuse, and recycling. - Improve community wellbeing. - Help create healthier and greener local communities. What Does the Fund Support? The fund supports a broad range of neighbourhood-based climate action activities. Priority is given to projects that provide practical benefits to local communities and help remove barriers to participation in environmental and outdoor activities. Examples of supported activities include the following. Outdoor Wellbeing and Nature Activities Projects that help vulnerable community members spend more time outdoors are a priority.

Examples may include:

- Guided nature walks. - Outdoor wellbeing activities. - Community activities that connect people with local nature. - Initiatives that improve access to outdoor spaces. Sustainable Travel The fund supports initiatives that encourage people to choose more sustainable forms of transportation.

For example, projects may include:

- Community bike repair sessions. - Activities that help residents use bicycles more effectively. - Other neighbourhood initiatives promoting sustainable travel. Green Spaces Projects can also focus on increasing local access to green spaces and improving community engagement with the natural environment. Carbon Reduction The fund supports local initiatives designed to reduce carbon emissions and encourage practical climate action at the community level. Repair, Reuse and Recycling Projects promoting the repair, reuse, and recycling of materials and products are also eligible. Small equipment and gardening tools may be supported where they are directly connected to activities such as repair, reuse, recycling, or insulation. Green Energy Feasibility Studies The fund also welcomes feasibility studies exploring green energy options for community buildings. These studies can help communities understand the potential for adopting more sustainable energy solutions. Funding Information Grants of up to £2,000 per project are available.

Key funding details include:

- Maximum grant: £2,000

- Maximum project duration: One year

- Geographic focus: United Kingdom

- Focus: Neighbourhood-based climate action and community wellbeing

Applicants should ensure that their proposed project can be delivered within the one-year funding period. Who Can Apply? The fund is open to a range of not-for-profit community organisations.

Eligible applicants include:

- Incorporated not-for-profit organisations. - Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs). - Community Interest Companies (CICs) limited by guarantee. - Charitable companies. - Registered charities without an incorporated structure. - Small unincorporated and unregistered organisations meeting the income requirement. Incorporated organisations must be registered with the relevant authority, such as: - Charity Commission. - Companies House. - FCA Mutuals Public Register.

Eligibility for Unincorporated Organisations

Small unincorporated and unregistered organisations can apply if their annual income is less than £10,000. The grant must also not cause the organisation to exceed the applicable £10,000 threshold during the current financial year. Applicants should ensure that their financial position meets these requirements before applying. Registered Charities Without an Incorporated Structure Registered charities that do not have an incorporated structure may apply. However, grants awarded to these organisations can only be used for self-employed workers and cannot be used to pay PAYE staff. Priority Areas The fund gives particular priority to projects that: - Reduce barriers preventing vulnerable people from spending time outdoors. - Encourage outdoor wellbeing and connection with nature. - Promote sustainable travel. - Improve access to green spaces. - Reduce carbon emissions. - Encourage repair, reuse, and recycling. - Explore green energy options for community buildings. Projects should demonstrate a clear connection between local climate action and benefits for the community. Who Is Not Eligible? The following organisations are not eligible: - For-profit organisations. - Overseas organisations. - Statutory organisations. - Schools. - Hospitals. Applicants should be able to demonstrate an appropriate not-for-profit community or charitable structure. What Activities Are Not Eligible?

Funding cannot be used for:

- Activities that have already taken place. - Costs that have already been incurred. - Discriminatory activities. - Activities promoting a particular political viewpoint. - Activities promoting a particular religious viewpoint. - Projects primarily benefiting animals. - Major capital building projects. The fund is intended for future-facing neighbourhood climate action rather than retrospective costs or major construction projects. Capital Costs Major capital appeals for building projects are not eligible. However, smaller items may be permitted when the