Grantscape

Grantscape, established in 1997, is a specialist UK charitable grant-maker dedicated to strengthening local communities and protecting the natural environment by administering community benefit funds on behalf of donors like local authorities, renewable energy developers, and landfill operators—primarily through the Landfill Communities Fund and renewable sector partnerships. Regulated by the Charity Commission and governed by independent trustees, it emphasises trusted, transparent, and locally accountable grant-making, free from donor influence, with over £100 million distributed across 80+ funds in England and Wales to drive community-led environmental and social improvements.

It funds thematic priorities including environmental restoration, biodiversity conservation, community facilities, public open spaces, education, lifelong learning, cultural heritage, and local economic development—supporting capital and revenue projects like renewable infrastructure enhancements, skills building, and increased access to nature. Beneficiaries are voluntary organisations, grassroots groups, and local communities near donor sites (e.g., wind farms like Walney Extension or Hornsea 3), delivering inclusive public benefits through tangible, place-based impact.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, constituted community groups, social enterprises, and public bodies with a bank account (no income thresholds); projects must align with specific fund geographies, often within a 10-mile radius of infrastructure sites—check eligibility maps per fund. Typical grants range from £1,000–£50,000 (small: £1k–£10k; main: £10k+), often requiring 20% match funding. Unsolicited applications via online forms are accepted biannually (spring/autumn deadlines, next: 18 March 2026 for select funds), with decisions in 2–3 months.

Exclusions cover planning influence, donor endorsements, core costs, or unrestricted grants; Grantscape stands out for its rigorous due diligence, local advisory oversight, capacity-building focus, and proven independence in stewarding infrastructure-derived funds for lasting local stewardship.