When you spend time with people living closest to forests, rivers, coastlines, or mangroves, one thing becomes clear: the most powerful solutions for biodiversity and climate resilience come from the frontline communities.

Generations of indigenous knowledge and lived experience have safeguarded ecosystems, sustained life, and inspired new ways of caring for our shared planet. Communities bring brilliance, courage, and leadership — yet what often stands in the way are the barriers: access to resources, recognition, and support.

That’s where the idea for the Green Spark Fund was born.

What the Green Spark Fund is about

We wanted to create something simple yet meaningful — flexible, trust-based support that emphasizes partnership and dialogue over compliance. This isn’t about long-term aid or imposing solutions from the outside. It’s about removing barriers, backing local priorities, and offering mentoring and check-ins that feel more like accompaniment than oversight.

Here’s what the fund offers:
💡 Small but meaningful grants of up to £1,500
🤝 Light-touch mentoring and regular check-ins
🌍 Open to grassroots groups in Zimbabwe, Borneo, Nepal, the Philippines, and Kenya

Who can apply

For this first round, we’re opening the call to our partners around the globe — Alam Sehat Lestari (ASRI), Bighnaharta Nepal, Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Rosa Organisation, Oceanus Conservation, and The Hummingbird Initiative.

These partners can also apply on behalf of groups and communities they already work closely with, making access easier while ensuring guidance and accountability.

Why this matters

This is at the heart of CfN’s work: connecting people, sparking ideas, and walking alongside communities so conservation grows from the inside out. 🌿

And we’re only just getting started. We can’t wait to see what blooms when hope meets support — and we’d love for you to follow along as our partners and their communities bring their visions to life. ✨

The first grantees will be announced this October, so stay tuned! 📣

If this vision resonates with you — whether you’re a funder, ally, or organisation that believes in the power of grassroots leadership — let’s connect. 💚 Together, we can fuel community-led solutions for people and planet.

🌍 #CommunitiesForNature #GreenSparkFund #FuelForGrassrootsInitiatives #CommunityLedConservation #ClimateAction #GrassrootsLeadership #BiodiversityConservation #Sustainability

This September was particularly special for the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation (PRRCFI), as we proudly celebrated its founding anniversary—a legacy of commitment to preserving the rich biodiversity of the Philippines.

London, UK. The trustees of Communities For Nature, joined by the Philippine Ambassador to the UK, at the 30th PRRCFI Anniversary celebration to give thanks to the people who have supported the foundation since it’s inception in 1991.

For us, this month also marked a significant milestone in our journey with PRRCFI, as we continue to reflect on our inspiring three-year partnership with them.

Over these years, working alongside PRRCFI has been a transformative experience, deepening our appreciation for the immense power of community and collaboration. In the heart of this partnership, we’ve learned that when people are empowered to take ownership of their own progress, the results are nothing short of remarkable. 🌱

We’ve witnessed firsthand how individuals and entire communities can drive change when given the tools and support to do so. These changes aren’t imposed—they grow from within. Whether it’s restoring coral reefs, preserving rainforests, or fostering sustainable livelihoods, it is the people themselves who become the custodians of their environment. And the results? Incredible, lasting transformations, led by communities, at their own pace and on their own terms.

In the spirit of this collaboration, Project ACE (Actions for Communities and Environment) has played a key role in amplifying these efforts, blending innovation with grassroots action to protect vital ecosystems. We’ve seen how innovative approaches combined with local knowledge can lead to groundbreaking solutions for environmental challenges.

Want to dive deeper into these stories of impact, empowerment, and innovation? We invite you to explore more about Project ACE and the inspiring work we’ve done in collaboration with PRRCFI in our latest magazine.

The mothers of Bulata Small Fisherfolk Association tending to their vegetable garden are the cover photo of the Project ACE Year 2 Magazine

From the shores of Negros to the rainforests of Danjugan Island, the collective efforts of communities, volunteers, and partners like you are making a difference for future generations.

Let’s continue this journey of collaboration, where equity and sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a shared mission. 🌍✨