The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) is inviting applications to its new Climate Action Fund - Food Systems programme.
Partnerships consisting of not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of between £2.5 million and £7 million for projects running between five and seven years. Up to 10 projects are likely to be funded in the first year of the programme.
The funding is intended to support ambitious, long-term projects that strengthen food systems, tackle the root causes of food insecurity and work with nature to create lasting change.
Projects must work towards systems change in the way that:
- Community organisations grow and produce food - using agroecological methods
- Food gets distributed - aiming for equitable access to healthy, affordable food for all
- Offers people and communities different food options - especially those experiencing poverty, disadvantage or discrimination.
The funding is for work that leads to transformational change (the kind that lasts, not just short-term support) and ways to do this include:
- Addressing the root cause of long-term problems, not just the symptoms
- Helping prevent problems before they happen
- Changing rules, habits or ways of working
- Giving communities more control over decisions and resources
- Helping people and organisations work together differently
- Challenging what is seen as important or possible
- Developing a project that is scalable or could work elsewhere
Applications will be considered from partnerships and organisations that already have the skills, relationships and infrastructure to work at scale to lead transition to food systems that are fairer, more resilient and better for people, climate and nature.
The funding can be used for a range of costs, including staff costs, organisational development, transport, utilities and running costs, equipment, volunteer expenses and some capital costs.
NLCF will hold a webinar on 17 February 2026 (13:00 to 14:15). Spaces are limited to one place per organisation. Registration is required and can be done via the NLCF website
Applications are currently open. There is no closing date.
Climate Action Fund - Food Systems | The National Lottery Community Fund
