Rugby Borough Council's Allotment Improvement Grant Scheme aims to revitalise allotments by improving facilities, increasing accessibility and promoting participation - while boosting biodiversity and climate resilience.
With £150,000 available for the 2026/27 financial year, the council has invited all of the borough's registered allotment associations and parish councils which own or manage allotment sites to apply for an improvement grant.
The scheme offers grants ranging from £1,000 to a maximum of £25,000, with match-funding encouraged but not essential.
Allotment Improvement Grants can fund infrastructure and accessibility improvements, projects to support sustainability and biodiversity, and initiatives to encourage gardening and promote community growing.
Cllr Claire Edwards, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for communities, housing and safety, said the council wanted to support parish councils and allotment associations to revitalise allotment sites for the next generation of growers.
"Interest in allotment growing has increased significantly since the pandemic, with the health and wellbeing benefits of working outside and 'growing your own' well documented," Cllr Edwards said.
"We've launched the new Allotment Improvement Grants to make a significant investment in allotment sites across the borough, giving our allotment associations and parish councils the opportunity to undertake improvement works, create new wildlife habitats, support community growing projects and increase participation in allotment gardening."
The council has started contacting all eligible associations and parish councils to invite applications for the Allotment Improvement Grants.
More information about the scheme - including guidance for applicants and the online application form - has been published on the council's website: www.rugby.gov.uk/allotmentscheme
Cllr Noreen New, Rugby Borough Council's Liberal Democrat group spokesperson for communities, housing and safety, said: "These grants provide keen gardeners with an excellent opportunity to grow their own produce whilst helping to increase biodiversity and natural habitats for wildlife.
"I hope the scheme will also give parents an opportunity to get their children involved in growing their own vegetables and fruit as well."