Grow Wild: Youth Project Funding

Overview

What are they looking for?

They are calling on young people to come up with a project idea to celebrate why UK native plants and/or fungi are so special.

Whether you're into sowing or sewing, photography or video making, science or cooking... if you've got an idea, they want to hear from you. You can apply as an individual or as a group of up to 6 people.

What You Get

• A £500 grant for your project. This can be used for anything you might need from materials, equipment, resources to helpful training.
• Support and online training from Grow Wild.
• Opportunities to connect with a community of young nature enthusiasts completing projects across the UK.
• The chance to complete Kew's Young Environmental Leader Award designed to work alongside your Grow Wild project and recognise your achievements.

Important:

You’ll need permission from the landowner if your project involves any activity taking place in a public area.

Please note that Grow Wild can’t support growing projects delivered in open countryside, conservation or protected areas such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

Grow Wild also can't fund projects requiring planning permission, due to the programme timelines.

If you are unsure if your project idea is eligible for a grant, please email Grow Wild for advice or call Grow Wild on 07824 104 632

Your Idea

Grow Wild is looking for projects that focus on UK native plants and/or fungi.

• Projects that will engage others. You should aim to share your project with at least 100 people. This can include people taking part in person and engaging with online or social media content about your project,
• Projects that benefit others. Think about the positive impact your project will have on other people and tell us all about it!
• Projects that will make good use of the £500 grant - tell us how you will use the money to make the biggest impact. You can use the grant to pay for any equipment or materials, training, resources, or expert help you need. Please note that the grant cannot be used to pay yourself a wage or salary.
• Projects with a WOW-factor - be original and come up with something exciting! Read our extra tips for more inspiration.

Find a suitable Supporting Organisation

Select a youth, community, or education-focused organisation to assist with your project. Consider existing connections or approach local organisations such as your school or university, a youth group, charity or local authority.

Your Supporting Organisation will:

• help you run your project
• hold the £500 grant on your behalf
• ensure you can complete your project safely

When seeking support from an organisation, show them the guidance for Supporting Organisations, so they know what’s expected of them.

If you or any members of your group are under 18, please make sure the organisation is aware of this. Everyone under 18 must also obtain permission from a parent/guarding before applying.

Make a two minute video, to tell them about your plans

Your video should be no longer than two minutes. That’s it! 

You don’t need any fancy equipment for this – just a mobile phone is fine. There are lots of ways to create your video, (we’re more interested in your ideas than your film making skills)

• You don't have to be on camera.
• You could provide an audio or subtitled description.
• You could interview other members of your group or wider community, explaining why the project idea is fantastic.

If creating a video is difficult for you due to specific access needs, please contact Grow Wild to discuss a suitable alternative.

When your video is ready, include a link to it when completing the application form. Make sure the link is enabled for Grow Wild to view.

In the video please include:

• Your catchy project name – for groups please also share your team's name if you have one.
• Your project idea and why you want to do it.
• An explanation of how it will celebrate UK native plants and/or fungi.
• Details about where you will complete your project.
• Details about who will be involved and how.
• A summary of how you will spend the £500.

Important:

If using a video sharing site such as YouTube or Vimeo, make sure your video is not publicly discoverable. Check the privacy settings to make sure it’s enabled for Grow Wild to view.

Please ensure that you have consent from everyone featured in the video and inform them that it will be shared with Grow Wild. If you or any young people in the video application are under 18, a parent/guardian must give consent for their taking part. 

If making a video is difficult for you, please contact Grow Wild and let them know. They're happy to offer an alternative from those who have specific access needs.

Guidance for Supporting Organisations

Support young individuals or groups to apply for a £500 grant and run their own exciting project.

Here you will find guidance about the role of a Supporting Organisation and which organisations are eligible. Make sure you have also read the guidance for Applicants.

• Projects, whether individual or group endeavours (of up to 6 participants), must have a Supporting Organisation with a designated contact person to work with them.
• Eligible Supporting Organisations will receive the grant on behalf of the applicant/group they’re working with, as Grow Wild is not able to make payments to individuals.
• While the Grow Wild team offers general support to young people, guidance on day-to-day project management falls under the responsibility of the Supporting Organisation.
• To participate, young people are encouraged to take responsibility for their own projects (excluding those with additional needs or requiring extra support).
• Supporting Organisations can assist multiple projects, provided they are all distinct.

As a Supporting Organisation you must be:

1. An established and relevant organisation that is charitable in purpose or not for profit. In particular:

• voluntary, youth or community group
• education body
• arts or environmental charity
• local authority or other council body
• health authority

2. Able to provide a member of staff or volunteer who will:

• liaise with Grow Wild.
• support the young person/group as required e.g. with access to facilities and equipment, publicising activities, providing advice and guidance, safeguarding individuals under 18 or vulnerable adults.
• remain contactable during the full project period.

3. Financially responsible for the project with:

• a bank account in the name of their organisation or in the name of the local authority or public sector body where relevant.

See website for further responsibilities as a supporting organisations.

Recent Grants

Read all about the projects they've funded in the past.