Love Lewisham micro grants programme launched to beautify the borough
Taking inspiration from the ideas shared by local people, and community gardens that are popping up across the borough, the Council has launched a Love Lewisham Micro Grants Programme. Over the last three months, as part of the Council’s Love Lewisham campaign, we have heard from residents and community groups about how they think we could tackle fly-tipping hotspots and underused, unloved pockets of land.
The grants are part of the Council's wider Love Lewisham fly-tipping programme and will provide funding for projects that will make a visible difference to local neighbourhoods. The grants are designed to help design out fly-tipping and tackle environmental issues, improve local spaces and encourage greater community pride across the borough.
This could include community clean-up events, greening projects on an area that is known for fly-tipping, planting vegetable patches to grow their own food, a shared community garden with new flowers or trees, or volunteer equipment, plus more. There will be flexibility in when the money needs to be spent, with the announcement of the successful applicants likely to come out of planting season, for example.
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 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.
Councillor Corin Ashwell, Cabinet Member for Environment, Nature, Transport and Climate Action, said: "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.
"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.
"Love Lewisham is about fostering pride in our borough and empowering communities to shape the places they live. We know that cleaner, greener neighbourhoods are created not just by the Council, but by residents, volunteers and community groups working together. I would encourage anyone with an idea to help improve their local area to apply."
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.
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.
About Love Lewisham
Love Lewisham is the Council’s borough-wide campaign bringing residents, businesses and the Council together to tackle fly-tipping and waste issues, starting with the areas that need it most. We’re improving streets, supporting communities and making it easier to do the right thing - while taking action against illegal dumping.