The Greater Manchester Green Spaces Fund, delivered through the Greater Manchester Environment Trust (GMET), provides grants of between £2,000 and £40,000 to community-led projects that improve or create accessible, nature-rich green spaces across Greater Manchester. Since launching in 2022, the fund has invested millions into community orchards, allotments, pocket parks, green alleyways, urban growing spaces and biodiversity projects designed to improve wellbeing, tackle inequalities and respond to the climate emergency.

Priority themes include increasing access to quality green and blue spaces, improving biodiversity, community food growing, greening streets and neglected land, restoring rivers and ponds, and encouraging local people to connect with nature. Projects are particularly encouraged where communities have poor access to green space or experience social and economic disadvantage. Funding can support physical improvement works, planting, pathways, volunteer costs, signage, engagement activities, equipment, maintenance and limited staffing costs linked directly to project delivery. CICs, charities, schools, community groups, residents associations and community benefit societies are all eligible to apply.

Exclusions include projects on land that is not publicly accessible, applications from individuals, and projects without landowner permission. Groups previously funded in certain earlier rounds may also be restricted from reapplying depending on the round guidance. Projects must have a clear environmental and community benefit rather than being primarily commercial in nature.

The current 2026 funding round closes at noon on 3 August 2026.

Applications are submitted through the GMET Flexi-Grant online portal. Applicants are encouraged to review the detailed guidance notes before applying, and free support is available through local Green Spaces Fund Advisors across Greater Manchester who can help groups shape stronger applications and develop realistic project plans.

Strong applications are likely to clearly demonstrate community need, long-term sustainability, environmental impact and how local residents will actively engage with and benefit from the improved space. Projects that combine biodiversity improvements with health, wellbeing, food growing or community cohesion outcomes may be particularly attractive. It is also important to evidence long-term maintenance arrangements and secure written landowner permission early in the process.

https://gmet.org.uk/green-spaces-fund