The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) has opened applications to its Climate Action Fund – Food Systems programme.
The fund supports long-term, partnership-led projects that aim to change how food systems work across the UK.
Grants of £2.5 million to £7 million are available. Projects must run for five to seven years. Up to 10 projects are expected to be funded in the first year.
The programme focuses on systems change. This includes work that strengthens food systems, tackles the root causes of food insecurity and works with nature to create lasting change.
Projects must focus on at least one of the following:
how food is grown, using agroecological methods
how food is distributed, to ensure fair access to healthy and affordable food
how people and communities access food, particularly those facing poverty, disadvantage or discrimination
Applications are open to partnerships of not-for-profit organisations. Applicants must already have the skills, relationships and infrastructure needed to work at scale.
Funding can be used for a wide range of costs. This includes staffing, organisational development, running costs, equipment, volunteer expenses and some capital costs.
Further details and application guidance are available via the Climate Action Fund – Food Systems page on The National Lottery Community Fund website: Climate Action Fund – Food Systems | The National Lottery Community Fund.
NLCF will host a webinar for potential applicants on 17 February 2026, 1.00pm–2.15pm. Spaces are limited to one per organisation and registration is required – book your place here.