Living Systems Alliance Community of Practice 2026: Up to £10,000 Funding for Place-Based Partnerships
Across the globe, communities are reimagining how humans live, organize, and collaborate with nature. The Living Systems Alliance Community of Practice 2026 offers a funded chance for place-based partnerships to join this shift. If your group works in a watershed, territory, or bioregion, you could receive up to £10,000 in support. This guide covers what the Living Systems Alliance (LSA) is, program details, who qualifies, what you’ll do, funding perks, key dates, how to apply, and reasons to join. Potential applicants will find all the facts needed to decide.
Key Takeaways
- The Living Systems Alliance unites groups worldwide to help communities work as part of nature through regenerative practices.
- Selected partnerships receive £5,000–£10,000 stipends, global networking, mentorship, and help to run local pilot projects.
- Eligible groups are existing collaborations in watersheds or bioregions, like ecovillages or permaculture initiatives, committing 3 hours weekly for a year.
- Applications are open until April 5, 2026; submit via the official form after reviewing eligibility and brainstorming a simple pilot idea.
What Is the Living Systems Alliance?
The Living Systems Alliance (LSA) brings together groups from around the world to help communities work with nature. It started with key partners like Transition Network International, Global Ecovillage Network, Biomimicry Institute, Permaculture Association, and Kincentric Leadership. The mission focuses on supporting communities to organize, make decisions, and take action as part of nature, not apart from it.
Founding organizations include:
- Transition Network International
- Global Ecovillage Network
- Biomimicry Institute
- Permaculture Association
- Kincentric Leadership
These partners share a goal of building stronger ties between people and the natural world.
About the Community of Practice 2026
The Community of Practice 2026 is a one-year global learning journey that starts in June 2026. It brings together up to 10 place-based partnerships for shared growth. Participants connect across cultures to build skills in regenerative practices.
Key activities include:
- Peer-to-peer learning across cultures and regions
- Training and mentoring from global experts
- Co-develop and test local pilot projects
- Contribute to a shared global knowledge base for regenerative practices
This setup lets groups learn together while applying ideas in their own areas.
Funding and Benefits
Selected partnerships get real support to make a difference. The main perk is a needs-based £5,000–£10,000 stipend** tailored to your needs. Beyond cash, the program offers tools for lasting change.
Benefits include:
- £5,000–£10,000 stipend
- Access to a global network of practitioners and organizations
- Hands-on mentorship and training
- Support to design and implement a locally rooted pilot project
- Increased visibility and recognition through LSA platforms
It’s more than money. You join a collaborative ecosystem for long-term impact.
Eligible Partnerships: Who Should Apply?
This program targets existing collaborations, not single organizations or people. Your group must work at a regional level in a specific place and follow nature-centered approaches. Active teamwork is key.
Examples of eligible partnerships:
- Community groups and civil society organizations
- Indigenous or land stewardship groups
- Local councils and cooperatives
- Ecovillages, permaculture initiatives, and transition networks
- Educational institutions and local enterprises
Check if your partnership fits these traits before applying.
What Participants Will Do in the Program
The program asks for steady effort over 12 months. You commit about 3 hours per week. The style is learning by doing, with room for trial and error.
Activities cover:
- Join bi-monthly online sessions
- Collaboratively design and test a pilot initiative
- Share experiences, challenges, and insights
- Engage in cross-cultural exchange and reflection
This builds skills through real-world practice and global ties.
What Is a Pilot Project?
A pilot project is a small-scale, practical experiment tied to your region. It tests fresh ideas without big risks. You don’t need a full plan to apply, just curiosity.
Examples include:
- New decision-making systems that include ecological perspectives
- Community collaborations addressing local challenges
- Testing nature-centered governance or design frameworks
- Strengthening coordination among regional stakeholders
Similar initiatives in ecovillages have tried water restoration or shared food systems. Permaculture groups often pilot soil health projects. These spark bigger changes.
Key Dates and Timeline
Stay on track with this clear timeline. Mark your calendar to meet each step.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 26 February 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 5 April 2026 |
| Shortlisting & Interviews | Mid-April 2026 |
| Final Decisions Announced | By 1 May 2026 |
| Program Start | June 2026 |
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying is straightforward and takes 20-25 minutes. Follow these steps to submit.
- Review eligibility and pilot ideas (5 min): Check if your partnership qualifies. Brainstorm a simple pilot, like better local coordination.
- Gather partnership details (5 min): Note your group’s work, members, and region.
- Access the form: Go to the official application form.
- Answer key questions (10-15 min): Describe your collaboration and how it matches LSA values, like working with nature.
- Submit: Double-check and send. For more details, visit LSA information page.
Why You Should Join the LSA Community of Practice 2026
This funded opportunity stands out for groups ready to grow. You gain tools to deepen your work.
Reasons to apply:
- Strengthen your regional collaboration
- Gain global exposure and connections
- Access funding, expert mentorship, and £5,000–£10,000 stipend
- Contribute to regenerative practices and nature-centered systems change
Key perk: Up to £10,000 stipend for your pilot project.
Join to connect, learn, and lead change in your place.
The Living Systems Alliance Community of Practice 2026 gives place-based partnerships a chance to learn, connect, and grow with up to £10,000 in funding and expert support. By joining, you can test regenerative ideas in your area and build lasting ties with nature. Check your eligibility and apply by April 5, 2026, to lead change in your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Living Systems Alliance?
The LSA connects groups from around the world, like Transition Network and Global Ecovillage Network, to support communities in organizing and acting as part of nature.
Who can apply for the Community of Practice 2026?
Existing place-based partnerships, such as community groups, indigenous stewards, or ecovillages working at a regional level with nature-centered approaches, can apply.
What funding and benefits does the program offer?
Partnerships get a needs-based £5,000–£10,000 stipend, plus access to global networks, mentorship, training, and support for a local pilot project.
How do I apply and what are the key dates?
Review eligibility, gather details, and submit the 20-25 minute form at the official link by April 5, 2026; the program starts in June 2026.