Botanics Foundation

Could Botanics Foundation be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.

Applications: By invitation only
Decisions: As needed

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

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rbge.org.uk

About Botanics Foundation

The Botanics Foundation is an independent Scottish charity that serves as the dedicated philanthropic arm of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE). Its mission is to explore, conserve, and explain the world of plants, particularly in the context of biodiversity and climate crises. The Foundation is guided by values of scientific excellence, environmental stewardship, inclusivity, and public engagement, and it channels philanthropy into enduring support for RBGE's strategic priorities. Founded as a charitable vehicle integrated with a world-leading botanic garden, it prioritises long-term, evidence-based impact in plant conservation and education.

What Botanics Foundation funds

The Foundation funds a range of work including plant diversity research, endangered species protection, conservation horticulture, education, and global partnerships. Examples include scientific research such as DNA barcoding of lichens and bryophytes, PhD scholarships, specialist horticulture, garden redevelopments, conservation publications, infrastructure upgrades, and public programmes that foster community access to botanical collections, art, and education. Impacts are centred in Scotland but extend internationally through RBGE's networks.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and academic institutions with strong alignment to RBGE's mission, with priorities favouring Scotland-linked initiatives. Beneficiaries include researchers, conservationists, students, schools, local communities, and global audiences. The Foundation does not impose income thresholds or geographic restrictions, but funding is by invitation only and unsolicited applications are not accepted.

What Botanics Foundation doesn't fund

The Foundation does not support activities outside RBGE's plant-focused mission. This means projects unrelated to plant diversity, conservation, horticulture, education, or public engagement with botanical science are not considered for funding.

How they like to fund

The Foundation funds by invitation only and does not accept unsolicited applications. Grants vary widely, from thousands of pounds for targeted research to hundreds of thousands for major capital projects, decided ad hoc by the board. Funding is channelled into enduring support for RBGE's strategic priorities, emphasising long-term, evidence-based impact.

How much does Botanics Foundation give?

Published grant sizes vary. A free fit check matches Botanics Foundation’s current criteria to your charity — so you know if it’s worth applying.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

EnvironmentEducation

How to apply to Botanics Foundation

Botanics Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.

A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.
Decisions are typically as needed.

What you can do here

1
Check fit. See if your project aligns with Botanics Foundation.
2
Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
3
Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.

See if Botanics Foundation could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Botanics Foundation provide?

Grant amounts vary. Contact Botanics Foundation directly for current funding levels.

Where does Botanics Foundation fund charities?

Botanics Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Botanics Foundation accept unsolicited applications?

Botanics Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Botanics Foundation?

Botanics Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.