South Downs National Park Trust

The Trust supports causes including nature recovery, community development, heritage preservation, and arts and culture. Funded activities include pond creation, grassland restoration, community events, equipment purchases, and capital works. Beneficiaries are rural communities and the general public living within or visiting the South Downs National Park. All projects must take place within or directly benefit the National Park, which spans Hampshire, West Sussex, and East Sussex. The Trust prioritises community involvement, contributions to the Partnership Management Plan, and environmental and financial sustainability.

Eligible organisations include registered charities, community groups, social enterprises, CICs, parish councils, and local authorities. The Trust favours projects that demonstrate strong community involvement and clear benefits for rural communities and the general public. Applicants must be based within or working directly in the South Downs National Park. There is no religious restriction, but projects promoting religious or political beliefs are excluded. Match funding is required.

The Trust does not fund salaries, training, transport, research, or profit-making activities. It also excludes projects that promote religious or political beliefs, refurbishment of churches, village halls, and sport facilities, introduction of non-native species, and expenses already incurred. Organisations cannot receive funding more than once in a financial year.

The Trust provides project-based grants that require match funding. Funding supports capital works, equipment, and event costs, but not core salaries or ongoing operational expenses. They welcome unsolicited applications and work in partnership with grantees to ensure alignment with the National Park's purposes.