EMPOWER Rivers Community Grant

Thames21 recognises the fantastic work being done by volunteers and community groups to improve the health of London’s rivers.  To support this work, Thames21 will be awarding grants of up to £20,000 for small-scale volunteer-led river restoration projects and water quality monitoring initiatives. Thames21 has a total of £290,000 for this grant scheme to be awarded over the next 5 years. This grant scheme is awarded as part of EMPOWER Rivers, a Thames21 project funded by the Lund Trust.

Are you concerned about the health of your local waterway? This grant can provide you with the equipment you need to become a citizen scientist to gather crucial data that will help identify pollution sources; find solutions to combat pollution, and monitor the effectiveness of these solutions.

Thames21 can provide guidance and training to support you to find a survey location and determine the best survey methodology for the issue you are surveying.

Would you like to revitalise a section of river in your local area? Thames21 can support small-scale river restoration projects led by community groups or small charities in London. Projects could include berm creation, adding wood deflectors, bank reinforcement removal, invasive species management and other restoration activities designed to improve the ecological health of your local river. We can also provide equipment for general river maintenance such as litter picking and vegetation management.

Thames21 will provide guidance and support to help you plan and deliver your restoration project.

The deadline for this round of the scheme is 30th September 2024.

Read the full grant information document here:

EMPOWER Rivers Community Grant Information

Email empowerrivers@thames21.org.uk to request an application form.

To find out about the EMPOWER Rivers Large Grant click here.