Sea-Changers Coastal Fountain Fund 2026
Sponsored by Bunzl Plc
We're pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Coastal Fountain Fund
The fund aims to protect coastal habitats from the harmful effects of single-use plastic water bottles by supporting communities to purchase water refill fountains for busy or environmentally significant coastal areas.
Grants of up to £2,500 are available, per applicant, towards the cost of a fountain. We welcome applications from all types of not-for-profit organisations who have identified a need and are well-placed to build the stakeholder involvement needed to make the project a success.
Part of our funding this year comes from Our Only World - a marine conservation charity who designed and built their own bottle refill fountain. Their funding will be allocated to organisations applying for an Our Only World fountain.
The closing date for applications is 28th February 2026.
How to apply for funding
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Please read the CFF Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria before applying. They'll help you decide if your proposed location is eligible and whether you're likely to be in a position to make a successful bid.
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We also suggest you read Refill's guidance aimed at organisations and groups who are looking to install water fountains for the benefit of the community and the environment. There can be a few hoops to jump through in getting a fountain installed, and stakeholder engagement is key to deliverability - this guide will help you understand what's involved.
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We've produced a help guide - a version of the application form with help notes. It'll give you info and advice to help you write a successful application.
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Complete the Coastal Fountain Fund application form. Use the help guide and eligibility document to help you.
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Return the application form to info@sea-changers.org.uk. The closing date is 28th February 2026. You'll receive an acknowledgement of your application and timescales for a decision.
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When the grant panel has made their final decision, we'll write to you and let you know the outcome of your application.
Advice from previous applicants
We asked previous applicants what advice they'd give to other organisations based on their experience applying for a grant and purchasing, installing and maintaining their fountain. The following are some of their key insights into what to do and think about before you apply.
“Be prepared for a few unanticipated costs! Try to allow some leeway in your budget, to cover anything unexpected that crops up in the installation process – for instance additional plumbing work or supplies.”
“Don’t forget about ongoing maintenance. Our fountain needed a repair, and we found it difficult to find a local plumber to replace a part. In the end, we took out a service plan with the fountain provider which covered the repair and twice-yearly maintenance visits."
“Remember that everything takes longer than you think! The more research and preparation you do before applying for a grant, the better your chances of success.”
“The support of our local Council has been crucial to the success of our project. The Council used their contractors to install the fountain and agreed to the ongoing maintenance as part of the regular checks of the toilet block where the fountain is situated. Getting the Council on side would be our number one top tip!”
“Try to simplify things as much as possible. Choose a site that already has a water supply if you can. Ideally, go for a location on Council owned land so that you’re not having to deal with a private landowner as well as the Council.”
“Can a water meter can be fitted to monitor usage of the fountain? We didn’t realise this isn’t always possible. Remember to allow for costs of fitting a meter in your overall budget.’
Fountains we've funded
The map below shows the fountains we've funded since the fund first opened in 2020.
Click on a tap icon on the map to learn more about an individual fountain. Or click on the icon top-left in the grey bar to view a list of all funded fountains.