Lewisham council is offering residents small grants to establish community gardens and improve neglected pockets of land through a new small grants programme.
The Love Lewisham Micro Grants Programme has been inspired by local people who have created community gardens in the borough to tackle fly-tipping hotspots and underused plots.
The Sandrock Road community garden in Ladywell is a clear example of local residents raising funds to create a “green barrier” – a community space – to tackle persistent fly-tipping.
The grants are part of the council’s Love Lewisham fly-tipping programme and will provide funding for projects that will make a visible difference to local neighbourhoods.
They are aimed at improving local spaces to discourage fly-tipping and boost community pride in their neighbourhoods.
Projects could include community clean-up events, garden projects, planting vegetable patches, and a shared community garden with new flowers or trees.
The grants programme reflects the important role local communities play in helping to keep Lewisham clean, green and thriving.
By giving residents and community groups the tools and resources to take action, the council hopes to support more community-led projects that create lasting improvements and encourage people to take pride in where they live.
Three levels of funding are available:
- Up to £200 for resident-led projects
- Up to £500 for community organisations
- £500 to £1,000 for larger community improvement projects delivered in partnership with local organisations
Applications will open on 28 September 2026 and will close on 27 November 2026. Once the window has closed, the submissions will be assessed, and successful applicants notified by Christmas 2026.
“These new micro grants are about turning great local ideas into action. Whether it’s organising a community clean-up, planting flowers and trees, improving a shared space or encouraging neighbours to get involved, these grants will help residents make a real difference,” said councillor Corin Ashwell, cabinet member for environment, nature, transport and climate action.
“We know residents care deeply about their neighbourhoods and we see every day the difference that local people can make when they come together to improve the places around them.”
Applications are open to Lewisham residents and community organisations whose projects will benefit local neighbourhoods. Support will also be available to help residents connect with community organisations where partnership working is needed.
For more information about the grants programme, eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the Council’s webpage when applications open.