The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) has launched its Climate Action Fund – Food Systems programme, inviting applications for long-term, partnership-led projects aimed at transforming food systems across the UK. The fund offers grants ranging from £2.5 million to £7 million for projects lasting five to seven years, with up to ten initiatives expected to be supported in the first year.
The programme is focused on achieving systems change, targeting initiatives that strengthen food systems, address the root causes of food insecurity, and work in harmony with nature to create sustainable, long-lasting impact. Projects must focus on at least one key area: how food is grown using agroecological methods, how food is distributed to ensure fair access to healthy and affordable options, or how communities access food, especially those facing poverty, disadvantage, or discrimination.
Applications are open to partnerships of not-for-profit organisations that already have the expertise, networks, and infrastructure to operate at scale. Funding can cover a wide range of expenses, including staffing, organisational development, running costs, equipment, volunteer expenses, and certain capital costs.
To support applicants, NLCF will host a webinar on 17 February 2026, from 1.00pm to 2.15pm, with spaces limited to one per organisation and prior registration required. Further information, guidance, and application details are available on the Climate Action Fund – Food Systems page of the NLCF website.
