People and Prairie garden © Horniman Museum and Gardens

Application procedure

Please note that the Trust is not accepting grants for the 15 February 2027 deadline until after 1 January 2027. This is due to the exceptional number of applications received for the 15 August round. Due to the increased demand for grants the Trust may refine its criteria during December and so, if planning to apply for the 15 February round, please read the criteria carefully.

The maximum you can apply for is £5,000.

To apply you need to send three documents:

  1. The Application Summary Sheet (to download the Application Summary see heading ​‘Application Form’.
  2. A project description that can also include plans, images and plant lists
  3. A recently audited statement of your organisation’s accounts (not required for individuals)

While there is no strict format, your application should include the following:

1. The Application Summary Sheet

This should contain:

  • your contact details including your name, e‑mail and telephone number
  • your organisation name (if applicable) 
  • your project title
  • a brief project summary

2. The Project Description

This should include:

  • a short introduction to your organisation’s or garden’s history, background and purpose (one or two paragraphs)
  • a description of your project. Please include:
    • why the project is necessary
    • its aims and objectives
    • how it will be undertaken
    • how it will be maintained into the future
    • you can support the description with plans, images, drawings, planting plans, plant species lists, or any other relevant information
  • the project personnel (if appropriate) which may include brief CVs of those involved
  • your project budget, showing:
    • an itemised schedule of proposed expenditure
    • finance received or expected from all sources, including (if any) from a parent body
    • a request from the Trust for a specific sum (grants range from a few hundred pounds to about £5k but are typically in the region of £3–£4k)
  • Your long-term plans for the future of the project once the grant has been used (if appropriate), for example how a garden project will be maintained once it is completed.

3. Recently audited statement of accounts*

If you are applying on behalf of an organisation or trust, please include:

  • Evidence of its financial viability such as a recently audited statement of accounts

* not required for individuals

Submitting your application

After completing the above, applications should be sent in electronic form to d.​rae@​rbge.​org.​uk. If this is not possible then hard copies should be sent to:

Dr David Rae
Director, Stanley Smith (UK) Horticultural Trust
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
20a Inverleith Row
Edinburgh EH3 5LR