Bursaries and grants
Information on grants and bursaries available from organisations for horticultural projects, exchanges and travel.
The “Grants for Horticulturists” original website was created, established and managed by Dr Henry Oakeley and Graham Smith and supported by the RHS since 2004. Henry and Graham have kindly agreed to the creation of this database of information hosted by the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH) to provide information and links to organisations that provide grant aid to individual horticulturists. The CIH acknowledges, with thanks, Graham Smith of Erythos, the original website designer, and Henry Oakeley who collated the initial information. If you are aware of any additional organisations, trusts or funds that are available to support horticulturists and that are not on this list please email cih@horticulture.org.uk.
Click through the options below for information on grants and bursaries available from organisations for horticultural projects, exchanges and travel. The information here is offered free of charge and may be copied for private use, but please note that all resources listed are copyright reserved.
All questions relating to grant-making organisations and their web sites, and to their grants, bursaries and other supports, should always be directed to the individual organisation concerned.
For advice regarding the possible inclusion of new information and corrections on this site, either for listing as a grant-making organisation or for addition to the list of links to other sites of interest, please contact the Chartered Institute of Horticulture at cih@horticulture.org.uk.
Organisations with horticultural interests are very welcome to include a link to this page on their own web sites.
Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board
Visit the website.
Alpine Garden Society
The Alpine Garden Society also offers the Hendry Fund Grant. Following her death in 1993, Ms Evelyn F. Hendry left a significant part of her estate to the East Surrey Group of the Society. This is used to fund grants for specific alpine-related projects, which can involve research on any aspect of alpine plants in the wild or in cultivation.
Email ags@alpinegardensociety.net or visit the website.
The AgriFood Charities Partnership
Visit the website.
American Society for Horticultural Science
Visit the website.
British Association of Landscape Industries
The BALI Chalk Fund run a Student of the Year Award for BALI Registered colleges to participate, and nominate a student to receive the award. Winners will receive a cheque of £100 and a certificate. The BALI Chalk Fund have also launched a UK BALI Chalk Fund Student of the Year. Each student that is nominated will be considered for the UK Student of the Year award. The winning student and their college will receive a cheque for £500 and 2 tickets to the BALI National Landscape Awards Ceremony, held in December.
Email info@balichalkfund.org.uk or visit the website.
Bentham-Moxon Trust
Contact Jennifer at j.alsop@kew.org or visit the website.
British Cactus and Succulent Society
For more information please visit the website
Castlebank Horticulture Centre
The application deadline is Thursday 22nd August 2019.
For further information visit the website here, or download an application form. You can also email: info@lanarktrust.co.uk
Chartered Institute of Horticulture
At CIH we are able to offer a number of grants and prizes for horticulturists at different stages of their career. These include the:
- The Norah Stucken award: a £500 prize for a project which has made a significant impact within the industry.
- The Aberconway award: £500 prize for the best horticultural dissertation submitted by a student or non-student under the age of 30.
- Young Horticulturist of the Year: the winner of this annual competition is awarded a £2500 travel bursary to help them further their career.
- The Pam Pointer award: awarded to four students of Horticulture a year in recognition of outstanding achievement in academic and practical pursuits, sponsored attendance at the CIH conference and 1-year free associate membership.
Contact the Secretariat at cih@horticulture.org.uk or visit award page of our website here, the Young Horticulturist page here.
Cornwall Gardens Trust
For further information visit the website here, or download an application form.
David Colegrave Foundation
NEW – The Majestic Trees Sponsored Travel Scholarship is offering up to £3,000 to fund a placement abroad at a tree nursery. This also includes the opportunity for a work placement at Majestic Trees, which could become a permanent position. The owners of Majestic Trees, Steve and Janet McCurdy, first met in California whilst Steve was working as an exchange student. Steve’s work experience opportunity greatly influenced the way they run Majestic Trees and it is for this reason that Majestic Trees would like to provide this scholarship for a student passionate about tree production.
NEW – The John Gibson Environmental Scholarship will award £1,500 to a student with a keen interest in environmental solutions and sustainable applications as applied to commercial horticulture. John Gibson worked at Colegrave Seeds with the late David Colegrave and was at the forefront of the development of the market for hybrid seeds and seedlings. This scholarship recognises John’s keen interest in environmental solutions that can advance commercial horticulture in a sustainable manner.
NEW – The Horticultural Research Scholarship will award £2,500 to support applied research within the horticulture industry. Students who are keen to pursue a research career in the horticultural industry should apply. This includes undergraduates, postgraduates and those studying for doctoral degrees.
South West Growers Show Sponsored Regional Scholarship awards £1,500 to support a student studying any aspect of commercial or production horticulture. Preference will be given to those studying/working in the South West of England.
The British Protected Ornamentals Association – Peter Seabrook Bursary offers £1,000 to support one or more students studying commercial horticulture. The scholarship is also available to schools and horticultural colleges to finance trips for students over 16 years of age to leading commercial horticultural establishments.
The Ball Colegrave Sponsored Travel Scholarship awards up to £1,500 to fund travel to Europe in order to develop knowledge and experience in bedding plant production and marketing. An employee in the early stages of their career at a commercial bedding plant nursery, or a student studying horticulture with an interest in commercial bedding plants should apply.
The Student Scholarship awards £1,000 to each of up to 5 students to support their studies in horticulture. Preference is given to candidates who have an interest in ornamental commercial horticulture, especially with an emphasis on the bedding, container, pot plant and cut flower sectors.
Scholarship Season runs until January 2019 and to enter applicants simply need to complete an application form which they can do online.
More information on DCF and its scholarships can be found at www.davidcolegravefoundation.org.uk
Derbyshire Historic Gardens Trust
Visit the website.
Devon Gardens Trust
Email devon-gardens@btconnect.com or visit the website.
Diana Aitchison Fund
Email Matthew at mtopsfield@icloud.com or visit the website.
The Finnis Scott Foundation
Email administrator@finnis-scott-foundation.org.uk or visit the website.
Garden Centre Association Trust
The Trust also offers the Dick Allen Scholarship, open to young staff within GCA garden centres, to help further their career. The recipient will attend the International GCA Congress and participate within the ‘Interactive Tour’ group.
Email the trust administrator at info@gca.org.uk or visit the website.
Garden Club of America
This programme is an exchange, sponsored jointly by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in the UK and by The Garden Club of America (GCA) in the USA, in association with Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania. The programme offers financial aid to British graduates and student horticulturists to undertake a 12-month stimulating internship at the world renowned Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania, USA with exposure to American horticultural techniques and regional plant species.
Graduates also have the option of undertaking the first year of a Master’s course – an opportunity for post graduate study in the USA in fields related to horticulture, botany, landscape architecture and environmental studies.
Email interchangefellowship@rhs.org.uk or visit the website.
The Great Dixter Charitable Trust
Email education@greatdixter.co.uk or visit the website.
Hardy Plant Society
Email bursary@hardy-plant.org.uk or visit the website.
Helen Kennedy Foundation
Email Anna at enquiries@hkf.org.uk or visit the website.
Historic and Botanic Garden Trainee Programme
HBGTP offers trainees a structured learning programme and an assigned Supervisor and Mentor to guide and support their practical training.
Email Anna at Anna.Jacka@english-heritage.org.uk or visit the website.
International Society for Horticultural Science
Visit the website.
Japanese Garden Society
Contact enquiries@jgs.org.uk or visit the website.
Application forms can be found here: http://www.jgs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Bursary-Application-.doc
The MacRobert Trust
The MacRobert Trust gardens have been accredited by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) as a ‘Qualifications Approved Learning Centre’. Practical training and assessment to RHS Level 1 and 2 can now be provided in-house.
Contact alison@themacroberttrust.org.uk or visit the website.
Mediterranean Plants and Gardens
MPG members have access to a sponsorship fund to provide bursaries, financed by donations and one bequest from members. The bursary is intended to support an educational, conservation, or research objective of the individual applying and is normally, although not exclusively, given in the form of a reduced rate for attendance at an MPG event. Consideration will also be given to applications to research new Mediterranean plant areas which might be of interest for future events.
Visit the website.
The Merlin Trust
The Trust was founded by Valerie Finnis VMH in memory of Merlin Scott to encourage young horticulturists.
Email Sarah at info@merlin-trust.org.uk or visit the website.
Nerine and Amaryllid Society
For more information visit the website.
National Garden Scheme
Email hello@ngs.org.uk or visit the website.
Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust
A bursary of approximately £7000 will be given towards travel and subsistence expenses. In addition, the Trust and the individual award sponsor will meet any travel and expenses in relation to the Pre Study Briefing and Contemporary Scholars Conference. The total value of an award is in excess of £12,000.
Email Mike at director@nuffieldscholar.org or visit the website.
Nuffield Farming ScholarshipsTrust Ireland
A Nuffield Farming Scholarship is a travel and study bursary awarded by the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust Ireland Ltd. The objective of the award scheme is to encourage the advancement of agriculture and rural development through the promotion of awareness, education and leadership in the Irish agriculture and rural sectors. The overall scholarship award is €14,000. This bursary is a contribution towards the cost of travel and accommodation which will be incurred by scholars for their international travel. It will not cover the full cost of registration & travel for the Contemporary Scholars Conference, Global Focus Programme and travel in pursuit of the study topic.
Find more details @ https://nuffield.ie/
Online Turf
The list of eligibility requirements are as follows;
- Applicants must be enrolled in full time education studying an agricultural or horticultural course in university or college
- Applicants must study & reside in the UK
- The applicant is 18 years or above or has parent/ guardian permission
The application form & terms of conditions can be found on our site here: https://www.onlineturf.co.uk/scholarship
Percy Picton Memorial Fund
PERCY PICTON was a well known plantsman, gardener, nurseryman, lecturer and broadcaster. The Charity was established by The Wyche and Colwall Horticultural Society in 1987, as a lasting memorial to their late president, who had a special interest in encouraging people to learn more about the world of plants.
The charity is small and qualification for a grant was originally restricted to people who were resident in the Malvern Hills area, and those resident in the counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire. However, this restriction has now been lifted and applications are welcome from the whole of the UK.
Grants can be available to people following horticultural studies at Pershore College or similar establishments. Help is also given to apprentices and trainees in private and public gardens and nurseries. This offers the rare opportunity to gain work experience at Great Dixters, John Massey’s Garden and John Richards’ Nursery. Research studies related to plants are eligible for consideration. Training should lead to a career within Horticulture, Gardening or Botany
For more information and to apply, please follow the link: https://paulpictonswebpatch.blog/2018/02/08/the-percy-picton-memorial-fund
The Professional Gardeners' Trust
Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust exists to sustain Britain’s cultural heritage, by funding the training and education of talented and aspiring craftspeople. This can be through traditional college courses, vocational training, one-on-one training with a master craftsperson or craft apprenticeships.
Since 1990, QEST has awarded £4.2 million to more than 460 craftspeople of all ages and backgrounds in at least 130 skills, from rural to cutting-edge craft and conservation – including embroidery, stonemasonry, wood work, saddlery, stained glass painting and many more.
Our Funding
QEST Scholarships are grants between £5,000-18,000, available to individuals to pursue training opportunities in their chosen craft, in the UK or abroad.
- Scholarships cover the cost of practical experience, training or study at a recognised institution or with a master craftsperson – recipients can use this as a lump sum or in instalments, as required
- Scholars must be aged over 17, with no upper age limit
- If training takes place outside the UK, recipients must demonstrate how they will bring those skills back to the UK to enrich British craft
- Scholarships do not cover costs for materials, renting a workshop or other business start-up costs
QEST Apprenticeships are grants generally up to £18,000 (£6,000 a year up to three years), available to small businesses and sole traders to hire an apprentice. The funding can go towards training (in-house or external), tools and materials and/or the apprentice’s wage.
- Employer and apprentice must apply together as a partnership
- Apprentices must demonstrate a dedication/commitment to the craft, but previous experience is not required
- Apprenticeships must be for a specific craft skill, with clear training plans and milestones
Closing date for the July round is 24.8.2018. A further round of funding opens in January each year
The Rhododendron, Camellia & Magnolia Group
The successful applicant would undertake to produce a paper outlining the results of the project, within three months of completion of the project, for publication (but not exclusively) in an RCMG publication and/or Group web site.
Applicants can apply for a bursary towards research anywhere in the world.
Applications will be subject to scrutiny on a first come first serve basis, by a small panel appointed by the RCMG, and must show clear objectives and the methods for achieving these. If desired, a preliminary outline of a proposal can be discussed with John Marston to assess its suitability before applying formally.
Applications may be made at any time in the year, but in any case, a minimum of twelve weeks must be allowed before the start of the proposed project. Bursaries cannot be given retrospectively.
Anyone interested in applying for a Bursary should download the application form. You may make your entries direct onto the form on your computer and either email or alternatively print out and post.
To find out more about Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia group please visit their website
Royal Horticultural Society
Email bursaries@rhs.org.uk or visit the website.
SCI Horticulture Group
Email awards@soci.org or visit the website.
Shropshire Parks and Gardens Trust
Applications are welcome from both full and part-time students who are normally resident in Shropshire no matter where they may be studying.
Email info@shropshiregardens.org.uk or visit the website.
The Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust
Information and the application form can be found by clicking here: Information and application form-Stanley Smith UK Hort Trust
The Studley College Trust
Email studleyct@btinternet.com or visit the website.
Stoke Poges, Wexham & Fulmer Horticultural Society
The Stoke Poges Wexham & Fulmer Horticultural Society is offering a bursary each year, for the next 10 years, of up to £200 for applicants aged between 16-25 residing in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire who wish to pursue a career in horticulture and gain the skills and knowledge requisite for entering and progressing within the profession.
Priority will be given to students following a horticultural course lasting one or more years and grants might for example go towards fees, research, travel in connection with a course, or other costs associated with a course to support individuals to gain accredited qualifications. Applications may be made at any time up to 15th July 2020.
Contact Jon Homan by email : homanhome@gmail.com, for further information.
Suffolk Gardens Trust
Visit the website.
Three Counties Agricultural Society Bursary
The bursary is an award of £1,000 per year, for up to 3 years, to support students studying a land based subject, who are normally resident in either of the three counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire or Gloucestershire. Applicants can be studying at either further, higher or post-graduate level, provided it is full-time and that they are 18-23 years old at the start of their course. The course can be at any recognised college or university anywhere in the world. Applications are open annually from late Mach/Early April, and close on 1st July every year.
Visit the website.
Winston Churchill Memorial Trust
There are 10 varied categories each year such as Science, Engineering and Technology, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, as well as an Open category.
Email office@wcmt.org.uk or visit the website.
The Worshipful Company of Gardeners
The winner will receive a cheque for £500 and a certificate, signed by HRH The Prince of Wales, and will also be invited to dine with their tutor as a guest of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners in the City of London.
Email Heather at heather-b-m@waitrose.com or visit the website.
The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers
- Fruit Industry employees who are participating in the Fruit Supervisory and Management Course at Hadlow College.
- Fruit growers who wish to attend a recognised Cider Making course.
The Company awards prizes annually to outstanding undergraduate and Master’s students who have evidenced an interest in fruit (as defined botanically) and expressed a wish to develop a career in the fresh produce industry.
Email clerk@fruiterers.org.uk or visit the website.
The Yorkshire Gardens Trust
The Yorkshire Gardens Trust (the YGT) was formed in 1996:
- To conserve and foster the county’s historic gardens, parks, and designed landscapes for the benefit of present and future generations.
YGT achieves this through four strands of activity:
- Conservation – contributing to the conservation and management of Yorkshire’s historic parks and gardens
- Researching and recording the detailed history of these sites to support their conservation and appreciation
- Events – an annual programme of county-wide garden visits, tours, lectures, and workshops
- Education – the YGT for Schools Scheme and the Further/ Higher Education Student Bursary scheme to support garden history, landscape, and horticultural initiatives across a range of educational settings
YGT welcomes Student Bursary applications from:
- any students, full or part-time, from any further/ higher education institution in Yorkshire studying:
- Horticulture
- Landscape design
- Landscape/garden history
- Conservation of historic designed landscapes
Applications will also be considered from students from further/higher education institutions outside Yorkshire who are engaged in research concerning Yorkshire historic gardens, parks, or designed landscapes.
The Bursary Scheme supports students in achieving the skills, knowledge and understanding essential to progress towards their professional qualifications or career choices. Single bursary awards are available of up to £1000
Further information can be found on the Yorkshire Gardens Trust website.