Nature Fund
The Nature Fund (previously called the John Spedan Lewis Foundation) supports the understanding, protection and restoration of the natural world. With the help of grants, awards and bursaries, we can continue this important work while also improving participation opportunities for under-represented groups, both in terms of candidates and project beneficiaries.
Our story
The original John Spedan Lewis Foundation was established in 1967 in memory of the Partnership founder, John Spedan Lewis. Since then, the fund has evolved alongside the Foundation to progress our conservation and nature work, helping to mitigate the impact of our business and global supply chains on the natural world. We want to enable, educate and expose all people to nature, and foster a connection with the green spaces around us.
Giving guidelines
The Nature Fund exists to support projects that protect UK species and habitats, and the restoration of natural spaces. Projects must be UK based and will be considered on the basis of their scope for positive impact. For more details about eligibility (including PhD bursary), please see our guidance pack.
How to apply
To request an application for a Nature Fund grant, please email us at trustsandfoundations@johnlewis.co.uk, indicating which fund you’d like to apply to, and we’ll send you some information.
Case studies
In 2023, the John Spedan Lewis Foundation Emerging Leader Award was awarded to Kwesia (City Girl in Nature). After a challenging childhood in inner-city London, Kwesia was given a life-changing opportunity by the British Exploring Society. She joined an expedition to the Peruvian Amazon, forming bonds with fellow nature enthusiasts while living and working in the jungle.
After returning to London, Kwesia developed City Girl in Nature and became an activist, establishing a YouTube channel, website and social media presence to help others from her community connect with the natural world.
Badgers are a key part of healthy ecosystems, and the Badger Trust’s work will help to ensure that they maintain their role as meso-carnivores in the food chain in the UK for many years to come.
The Badger Trust’s State of the Badger project keeps an accurate track of badger populations, threats and recovery – producing a comprehensive report and promoting respect for badgers in nature. With the help of Foundation funding, the State of the Badger project can continue to increase awareness of badger-related issues and promote appreciation for nature conservation in the UK.
In 2023, the John Spedan Lewis Foundation Emerging Leader Award was awarded to Kwesia (City Girl in Nature). After a challenging childhood in inner-city London, Kwesia was given a life-changing opportunity by the British Exploring Society. She joined an expedition to the Peruvian Amazon, forming bonds with fellow nature enthusiasts while living and working in the jungle.
After returning to London, Kwesia developed City Girl in Nature and became an activist, establishing a YouTube channel, website and social media presence to help others from her community connect with the natural world.
Badgers are a key part of healthy ecosystems, and the Badger Trust’s work will help to ensure that they maintain their role as meso-carnivores in the food chain in the UK for many years to come.
The Badger Trust’s State of the Badger project keeps an accurate track of badger populations, threats and recovery – producing a comprehensive report and promoting respect for badgers in nature. With the help of Foundation funding, the State of the Badger project can continue to increase awareness of badger-related issues and promote appreciation for nature conservation in the UK.
Our other funds
John Lewis Partnership Foundation
Registered office: 171 Victoria Street, London SW1E 5NN
Registered Charity number: Registered in England and Wales (1118162)
Registered Company number: Registered in England and Wales (06058796)
Email: trustsandfoundations@johnlewis.co.uk