At The National Lottery Community Fund, we believe that people and communities are at the heart of meaningful environmental action. That’s why we’re calling on community groups across Scotland to bring us your ideas for environmental projects.

Whether your idea is small or ambitious, if it helps people and the planet, we want to help make it happen.

The environment is one of our key priorities because climate change affects our health, communities, and future. It’s also where local action can make the biggest difference.

To mark Recycling Week 2025, we’re celebrating the amazing environmental work already happening across Scotland—and we hope it inspires you to apply for National Lottery funding for projects that bring people together through environmental action.

From Fast Fashion to a Circular Future

New research we recently commissioned shows that 1 in 3 UK adults threw away brand-new clothes in the last year—contributing to an estimated 1.4 billion items of clothing binned annually. It’s a stark reminder of the environmental cost of fast fashion.

That’s why we’re funding projects that offer creative, local solutions—like swap shops, repair cafés, and upcycling workshops. These projects don’t just reduce waste—they build community, improve mental health, and create new opportunities for people to connect and grow.

One fantastic example is LEAP’s R:evolve Recycle project in South Lanarkshire. With National Lottery funding, they’ve created swap shops in Cambuslang and Rutherglen where people can exchange clothes in a stigma-free, boutique-style environment. Volunteers mend garments, young designers upcycle donated items, and local people access essential clothing in a dignified way.

For Ifeoma Evangeline, who moved to Scotland from Nigeria, volunteering with R:evolve was life-changing:

“Walking in for the first time was overwhelming, but everyone welcomed me with warm smiles. I love the environmental mission—and it helped me build confidence, language skills, and eventually get a job in customer service. It gave me purpose at a time when I felt lost.”

Fixing for the Future

Over in East Lothian, the Fixing for a Future project is equipping people with practical skills to repair and reuse—keeping clothes and household items in circulation. With sewing workshops, a tool library, and regular repair cafés, the project has created a hub for learning, sustainability, and connection.

David Reilly, 53, joined the sewing group after moving to Haddington. Living with cerebral palsy, he was initially unsure if he’d be able to participate—but the group welcomed him and adapted tools to help him thrive.

“I want to learn to adapt clothes to my needs instead of throwing them away. It’s about the journey, not the arrival—you’ve just got to enjoy the process.”

How to Apply for Funding

If you’ve got a community-led idea that could help the environment and bring people together, we’d love to hear from you.

In Scotland, The National Lottery Community Fund has two programmes currently open:

• National Lottery Awards for All Scotland – Grants from £300 to £20,000 for small-scale, community-led projects.
• Community Action – Larger grants from £20,001 to £250,000 for projects that connect people, including through environmental action. The key focus is on bringing people together, with environmental benefits as part of that journey.

You can find more information on our Scotland landing page, including how to apply and what support is available.