Tania Law

The Community Environment Fund was launched in October 2023 by West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). The Fund has £1million of grant funding available from the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund to support communities in delivering initiatives that improve the environment and people’s lives. Approximately 30 small grants of up to £25,000 and 5 large grants of up to £100,000 will be awarded for projects under the following project themes: 

• Natural environment– to protect, restore and enhance nature and wildlife.​ 
• Access to green and blue space– to provide better access to and community use of green and blue space for health and wellbeing.
• Climate adaptation– to make communities more resilient and prepared for the impacts of climate change.
• Circular economy– to reduce waste and keep resources and materials in use for as long as possible​. 
• Environment awareness – to improve knowledge of environment issues and support behaviour change.

WMCA has appointed Heart of England Community Foundation (HoECF) to support with the delivery of the Community Environment Fund and the application process will be managed using HoECF’s website. 

Key dates 

• Large projects up to £100,000 must be delivered by 31 December 2024. It is unlikely that applications for large projects will be accepted after June 2024due to delivery timescales. 

• Small projects up to £25,000 must be delivered by February 2025. It is unlikely that applications for small projects will be accepted after October 2024.

• Contact us if you would like to discuss dates relating to your application or project.

You can read more about the Community Environment Fund at Community Environment Fund: Commonwealth Games legacy (wmca.org.uk).

You’ll also find more details on the Heart of England Community Foundation website, including the Community Environment Fund Guidance for Applicants Pack, and you’ll also see the option the submit an Expression of Interest.

The Staffordshire Warmer Homes is a scheme run by Staffordshire County Council. In partnership with district and borough councils it can help by providing funding for energy efficiency measures to help heat homes. South Staffordshire Council is now accepting applications from residents for the new funding available. The scheme is working in partnership with Community Home Solutions to help eligible residents access funding.