Eco-School Grants and Funds

Originally written by Scott McBride, updated by the editorial team on 18th August 2026

What is the Eco-Schools programme?

Eco-Schools is an international programme that helps pupils take practical action on environmental issues. The idea grew out of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, where world leaders recognised that young people needed to be part of the solution to environmental challenges. The programme launched in 1994 and arrived in the UK a year later.

The programme is now run in England by Keep Britain Tidy, and similar organisations manage it in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Schools that take part work towards a Green Flag award, which recognises genuine environmental achievement.

The approach puts pupils at the centre. Rather than adults handing down instructions, students monitor their school's environmental performance, draw up action plans and make decisions about what to change. This tends to create a sense of ownership and responsibility that spreads beyond the school gates.

What can Eco-Schools funding help with?

Schools often use grants and funding to support their Eco-Schools work. The kinds of projects that may qualify for support include:

Reducing energy use through better lighting, insulation or monitoring equipment
Cutting water consumption with efficient fixtures or rainwater harvesting
Setting up recycling schemes and tackling waste
Creating wildlife habitats, gardens or outdoor learning spaces
Promoting walking, cycling or car-sharing for the school run
Building links with local community groups or international partner schools
Encouraging healthy eating through growing projects or improved school meals

These projects can improve the school environment while teaching pupils about sustainability in a hands-on way.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Where to find grants and funds

There is no single pot of money labelled Eco-Schools funding. Instead, schools can draw on a range of sources depending on the project and their location.

Local councils sometimes offer environmental grants for schools. These may be tied to specific priorities such as biodiversity or air quality, so it is worth checking your council's website or contacting their education or environment team directly.

Charitable trusts and foundations are another option. Organisations such as the National Lottery Community Fund, Groundwork UK and the Ernest Cook Trust have all supported school environmental projects in the past. Eligibility and application processes vary, so read the criteria carefully before applying.

Some energy companies and water suppliers run educational grants or sponsorship schemes. These tend to focus on energy efficiency, water saving or climate education. Your school's energy or water provider may have information on current programmes.

Parent teacher associations and local businesses can also contribute. Smaller fundraising efforts or sponsorship from nearby firms may suit modest projects like planting schemes or composting equipment.

Getting started

If your school is not already registered with Eco-Schools, that is a sensible first step. Registration is free and gives access to resources, support and the framework for working towards a Green Flag award. Visit the Keep Britain Tidy website for details on how to sign up in England, or contact the relevant body in your nation.

When looking for funding, be realistic about what your school can manage. A clear, achievable project with measurable outcomes will usually have a better chance of success than a vague wish list. Involve pupils in planning the bid where possible, as this fits the ethos of the programme and can strengthen your application.

For official guidance on school funding and grants, GOV.UK provides information on available support. Your local authority may also publish lists of grants open to schools in the area.

Eco-Schools work best when environmental action becomes part of everyday school life rather than a one-off event. Funding can help get projects off the ground, but the habits and attitudes pupils develop will often have a longer lasting effect.

22 questions

Ask Eco Financing a Question

EcoFinancing Editor 20/05/2026 at 9:17 am

@Charlotte Lenton Hi Charlotte, there isn't one single application link as eco-school funding comes from various places. Have a look at Eco-Schools (eco-schools.org.uk) for their Green Flag programme, and check the Wolfson Foundation, Tesco Stronger Starts, and Ernest Cook Trust for grant pots schools can apply to directly. Your local council often runs smaller schemes too, so worth ringing them. Let me know roughly what your project is and I can point you to the best fit.

Charlotte Lenton 26/09/2023 at 11:29 pm

Link to apply please :)

MrsS 23/05/2023 at 4:46 pm

Is there a link to apply

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ft 17/06/2021 at 10:42 am

We have been awarded the Green Flag. We produced payment for it. Is there a possibility to obtain a grant post-award?

Bish 11/05/2021 at 9:55 am

How do we apply for an eco grant for our school please? Thanks

Lorna 08/12/2020 at 8:48 pm

We are a secondary school and have our silver award.
Wondering is there any funding available for the green flag assessment. We missed the frugi one ??
Thanking you

Mina 04/11/2020 at 4:00 pm

Hi

I am enquiring on behalf of Claines Church of England Primary School which is based in Worcester. How would they go about applying for a grant to help towards attaining a green flag. They have a lot of good ideas in starting Eco projects which have been hampered by funding. The children are fully on board and very knowledgable and enthusiastic about sustainability and being green. Hopefully, you can help

Rach 21/10/2020 at 12:30 pm

Starting a gardening club from scratch in a school and would like to know how to work towards getting the bronze award.

Julie 15/10/2020 at 10:14 pm

Hi - we have our bronze award. Working hard for silver. Any tips/grants for progress in this would be gratefully received. We would love to focus on a recycling centre and cameras in our environmental area. Any advice greatly appreciated.
Hook-with-Warsash Academy

Many thanks, Julie Nunn

Katycar 27/04/2020 at 4:38 pm

Could you please add a link to apply for this grant. There seems to be no link. Thank you.

GAVIN 20/04/2020 at 11:48 am

I am about to build an eco house and architects studio for myself in a woodland clearing in Norfolk.
It will be extremely energy efficient, be powered by PV's, be triple glazed and have element U- values of 0.1
It is also a self-build.
Can you steer me towards any Grants or schemes please

rach 30/01/2020 at 2:21 pm

Hi, there seem to be no links to suggest where this funding is available from. Can you help point towards application forms etc. thank you

LEL 23/01/2020 at 8:05 am

I’m making enquiries regard above information on behalf of St Christopher School Codsall, Wolverhampton. In particular garden composting.
Thanking you.

Ayeshas 16/11/2017 at 9:15 am

I just wanted to ask the same question, how can we apply for funding now that we have a Bronze award and are working towards Silver?

Thank you

Mrs S 04/11/2015 at 6:46 pm

Is any funding available to schools who already have their Green Flag? Specifically for outdoor resources.

rob 07/10/2015 at 12:08 am

How do we apply for funding to help us progress towards the green flag as we also have already achieved Bronze and Silver?

EcoFinancing Editor 20/03/2015 at 1:56 pm

@Noreen - I have included a link here that tells you what criteria you need to fulfil. I hope this helps.

Noreen 18/03/2015 at 8:32 pm

I was just wondering how do we apply for an award to help us progress towards the green flag?

Jet 26/08/2014 at 8:04 pm

Hi
How do we apply for the Scottish Government's one off grant of £250 for eco schools working towards their first green flag please?.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Jane.

George 27/06/2011 at 3:54 pm

How do we apply for funding to help us progress towards the green flag as we have already achieved Bronze and Silver?

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