In 2011 the National Garden Scheme set up an award scheme in memory of Elspeth Thompson, the much-loved garden writer and journalist who died in 2010. Elspeth was a great friend and supporter of the National Garden Scheme; she also wrote an admired ‘Urban Gardener’ column in the Sunday Telegraph. Her column often celebrated community gardens and so the awards support gardening projects carried out within local communities.

Previously managed in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society, from 2019 the scheme became wholly managed by the National Garden Scheme.

In 2022 we gave out awards to 75 projects bringing the total number of projects supported to-date to almost 200, with the total amount donated just shy of £400,000.

Grants will only be made to bodies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The following bodies are not eligible:

· Local authorities (including parish councils)

· Schools Applications from any such bodies will not be considered.

Applicants must be a fully set up community group or CIC with a functioning non-personal bank account.

Individual grants are between minimum £500 and maximum £5000. Each application must itemise the details of the costs they are planning to cover.

Applications for 2023 will open on Monday 17 October. Please read the Application Guidelines before applying - Community Garden Grants - National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk)