GrantFinder
 December 2025

Search criteria
Text phrase
•	solihull
Status of results
•	Future
•	Open for Applications
Public sector organisation classification
•	Parish Council
•	School
•	Young People's Support Service
Voluntary, community or social enterprise classification
•	Charitable Incorporated Organisation
•	Charitable Trust or Foundation
•	Community Association or Group
•	Community Interest Company
•	Community or Parish Council
•	Co-operative or Mutual
•	Registered Charity
•	Registered Society
•	School
•	Social Enterprise
•	Sports or Cultural Organisation
•	Voluntary and Community Organisation
Activities
•	Arts, Culture & Heritage
•	Children & Young People
•	Community Development
•	Education, Employment & Training
•	Environment
•	Health & Social Welfare
•	Sport, Tourism & Leisure
Locations
•	West Midlands, England

Community Energy Warwickshire Fund

Fund ID:	S41812	
Status:	Open for Applications	
Last updated:	11/02/2025	
Grants are available to local voluntary and community groups for energy efficiency projects in Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire.
Fund Information
Funding body:	Community Energy Warwickshire	
Maximum value:	£ 2,000 	
Application deadline:	None specified	
Background
The Heart of England Community Foundation is working with Community Energy Warwickshire (CEW).
Objectives of Fund
The Community Energy Warwickshire Fund is a grant programme for project in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull looking to improve their energy efficiency.
Value Notes
Grants of up to £2,000 are available. The funding must be spent within one year.
Match Funding Restrictions
Match funding is not required.
Who Can Apply
Applications will be accepted from the following local organisations with an income of or less than £250,000 as shown in their most recent annual accounts: 
•	Registered charities
•	Constituted community groups
•	Companies limited by guarantee with charitable aims
•	Community interest companies
•	Co-operatives - registered community benefit societies and registered industrial and provident societies
•	Social enterprises
To be eligible, applicants must: 
•	Have a management committee/board of trustees/board of directors with at least three unrelated people as members, a list of those directors will be required showing who has bank authorisation.
•	Have a written constitution/articles/set of rules.
•	Have a copy of their most recent annual accounts or financial records showing their organisation's balance of funds, income and reserves.
•	Have a bank account in the organisation's name with at least two unrelated signatories.
•	Have a bank statement from the last three months.
•	Have copies of their safeguarding policy (if working with children or vulnerable adults).
•	Have an equal opportunities policy.
•	Be able to provide quotes for capital items over £300.
Location
Warwickshire, Solihull and Coventry
Restrictions
The following are not eligible for funding: 
•	Direct replacement of statutory obligation and public funding.
•	Promotion of religious or political activities.
•	Groups with significant financial free reserves.
•	Retrospective grants.
•	Contribution to endowment fund, payment of deficit funding or repayment of loans.
•	National charities.
•	Overseas travel or expeditions.
•	Medical research and equipment for statutory or private healthcare.
•	General appeals.
•	Animal welfare, unless the project benefits people (eg disabled riding schemes).
•	Statutory work in educational institutions.
•	Sponsored or fundraising events or groups raising funds to distribute to other causes.
•	Schools, churches, parish councils or PTAs unless community benefit is demonstrated.
•	Boxing clubs or associated organisations.
Eligible Expenditure
The fund aims to: 
•	Support the development and installation of renewable energy projects.
•	Encourage the sustainable use of energy and reductions in carbon emissions.
•	Promote public awareness of environmental issues and support educational initiatives.
•	Encourage the implementation of sustainable initiatives to community buildings.
Multiple applications within the same financial year may be considered however: 
•	Secondary applications will be assessed on their own merit.
•	Preference will generally be given to first-time applicants.
How To Apply
Applications can be made at any time. 
The application form is available to complete on the Heart of England Community Foundation website.
Useful links
Heart of England Community Foundation - Funding
https://www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk/available-grants/
Community Energy Warwickshire Fund
https://www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk/community-energy-warwickshire-fund/
Addresses and contacts
For further information on how to obtain this grant locally, please contact the following:
Grants Team
Heart of England Community Foundation
c/o Stellantis
Pinley House
2 Sunbeam Way
Coventry
West Midlands
CV3 1ND
Tel: 024 77800 520
E-Mail: info@heartofenglandcf.co.uk

												

Heart of England Community Foundation

Fund ID:	S3292	
Status:	Open for Applications	
Last updated:	18/07/2025	
Grants are available to voluntary and community organisations working in disadvantaged areas of Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire.
Fund Information
Funding body:	Heart of England Community Foundation	
Maximum value:	Discretionary	
Application deadline:	None specified	
Background
The Heart of England administers a number of funds that provide seed and grassroots funding and investment to tackle local needs. It is one of the 47 Community Foundations from across the UK.
Objectives of Fund
The Heart of England Community Foundation provides funding to local groups whose projects and activities benefit local communities.
Value Notes
The level of funding varies depending on the grant scheme.
Who Can Apply
Applications are accepted from: 
•	Registered charities.
•	Charitable incorporated organisations.
•	Constituted community groups.
•	Companies limited by guarantee with charitable aims.
•	Community interest companies.
•	Co-operatives - registered community benefit societies and 

registered industrial and provident societies.
•	Social enterprises.
Groups must have an income equal to or less than £500,000 and be working in the area of benefit. 
Social enterprises and CICs should review the additional guidance for them, which can be found on the Foundation's website.
Location
Birmingham and the Black Country, Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull
Restrictions
Funding is not available for: 
•	Larger or national charities based outside the area.
•	Statutory bodies, schools, churches, parish councils or PTAs unless wider community benefit is demonstrated.
•	General and major fundraising appeals.
•	Individuals.
•	Sports clubs with no community or charitable element.
•	Medical research.
•	Animal welfare.
•	Political groups or activities promoting political beliefs.
•	Religious groups seeking to influence people’s religious choices.
•	Organisations with substantial reserves.
•	General and major fundraising appeals.
•	Arts projects with no community or charitable element.
•	Mainstream activities of schools and colleges.
•	Direct replacement of statutory funding.
•	Retrospective grants.
•	Contribution to endowment fund, payment of deficit funding or repayment of loans.
•	Overseas travel or expeditions.
•	Funding for projects taking place overseas.
•	Sponsored or fundraising events or groups raising funds to distribute to other causes.
•	Contingency or unspecified expenditure. 

Eligible Expenditure
Grants can be used for a variety of purposes including project costs, events materials and equipment providing it shows a wider community benefit. 
Projects must demonstrate a wider community benefit for a local area involving local people, and an identified need eg health, young people, elderly, community cohesion.
How To Apply
Information on the opening and closing dates for each fund can be found on the Foundation's website along with guidance notes and application forms. 
Applications can be made online via the Foundation's website. 
Applicants are encouraged to discuss project ideas with the Foundation before submitting an application.
Useful links
Heart of England Community Foundation
https://www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk
Addresses and contacts
For further information on how to obtain this grant locally, please contact the following:
Grants Team
Heart of England Community Foundation
c/o Stellantis
Pinley House
2 Sunbeam Way
Coventry
West Midlands
CV3 1ND
Tel: 02477 800520
E-Mail: info@heartofenglandcf.co.uk

												

Alfred Haines Charitable Trust

Fund ID:	S32743	
Status:	Open for Applications	
Last updated:	28/12/2024	
Grants are available to smaller charities based in Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, and Solihull that are helping people to improve their quality of life.
Fund Information
Funding body:	The Alfred Haines Charitable Trust	
Maximum value:	£ 2,000 	
Application deadline:	None specified	
Background
A small local grant making charity, the Alfred Haines Charitable Trust was established by the late Mr Alfred Haines in 1986.
Objectives of Fund
The Trust offers one-off grants to small charitable organisations based in the West Midlands, to support projects and activities which improve the quality of life of local people.
Value Notes
The majority of donations are made on a one-off basis and are normally in the range of £250 to £2,000. 
Occasionally, the Trust may agree to fund a project annually for up to three years subject to receipt of satisfactory project reports.
Who Can Apply
Smaller charities based and working in Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, and Solihull are eligible to apply. 
Projects outside the West Midlands or overseas will only be considered where the applicants are known to a trustee or are recommended by someone known to a trustee who has first hand knowledge of the work.
Location
Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull.
Restrictions
Funding is not available for the following: 
•	Activities which are primarily the responsibility of central or local government or some other responsible body.
•	Animal welfare.
•	Church buildings - restoration, improvements, renovations or new ones.
•	Environmental projects - conservation and protection of wildlife and landscape.
•	Expeditions and overseas trips.
•	Hospitals and health centres.
•	Individuals, including students.
•	Large national charities.
•	Loans and business finance.
•	Medical research projects.
•	Overseas appeals.
•	Purely evangelistic projects.
•	Promotion of any religion other than Christianity.
•	Schools, universities and colleges.
•	Projects that have been unsuccessful before.
•	Projects supported by Quothquan Trust.
Eligible Expenditure
One-off grants are available for the purpose of supporting specific projects that help people to improve their quality of life. 
The Trust prefers to make donations towards specific items and does not give to large appeals. 
Applications to support Christian social action projects involving outreach into the community through care will be considered. However, it does not support purely evangelical projects.
How To Apply
Applications may be submitted at any time and are considered quarterly. 
All appeals should be made in writing. Email applications are not accepted. 
Applicants should be aware that the Trust does not acknowledge receipt of applications, nor does it enter into any correspondence unless more information is required in order to make a decision. 
Successful applicants will be issued with a cheque and covering letter. Refusals are not notified.
Useful links
Alfred Haines Charitable Trust
https://ahct.org.uk/
Addresses and contacts
For further information on how to obtain this grant locally, please contact the following:
Appeals
The Alfred Haines Charitable Trust
Dale Farm
Worcester Lane
Sutton Coldfield
West Midlands
B75 5PR
Tel: 0121 323 3236
E-Mail: ahct@quothquan.org

												

Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Communities Fund

Fund ID:	S10874	
Status:	Open for Applications	
Last updated:	15/01/2025	
Grants are available to small local groups for charitable projects in Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull that help people who are facing some form of disadvantage or social exclusion.
Fund Information
Funding body:	Heart of England Community Foundation	
Maximum value:	£ 3,000 	
Application deadline:	None specified	
Background
Funding is provided by the Heart of England Community Foundation. Grants are awarded from the earnings of the Foundation's own endowment fund. The programme incorporates the following funds: Solihull Community Fund, The Coventry Building Society Fund and the Warwickshire Community Recycling Scheme.
Objectives of Fund
The Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Communities Fund aims supports people living in Coventry, Warwickshire, Solihull by funding projects that meet one or more of the following aims: 
•	Promote health and wellbeing.
•	Tackle disadvantage.
•	Support local solutions to meet local needs.
•	Promote community cohesion.
•	Develop sustainable and supportive communities.
Value Notes
Grants of up to £3,000 are available. Funding must be spent within one year.
Who Can Apply
Applications are accepted from: 
•	Registered charities.
•	Constituted community groups.
•	Companies limited by guarantee with charitable aims.
•	Community interest companies (CICs).
•	Co-operatives (registered community benefit societies and registered industrial and provident societies).
•	Social enterprises.
To be eligible, applicants must: 
•	Have an income equal to or less than £500,000, as shown in their most recent annual accounts.
•	Have a constitution or governing rules.
•	A management committee/board of trustees/board of directors with at least three unrelated people as members.
•	A bank account in the name of the organisation with at least two unrelated signatories.
•	Safeguarding policy (if working with children or vulnerable adults).
•	Equal opportunities policy.
Location
Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull
Restrictions
Funding is not available for the following: 
•	Direct replacement of statutory obligation and public funding.
•	Promotion of religious or political activities.
•	Groups with significant financial free reserves.
•	Retrospective grants.
•	Contribution to endowment fund, payment of deficit funding or repayment of loans.
•	National charities.
•	Overseas travel or expeditions.
•	Medical research and equipment for statutory or private healthcare.
•	General appeals.
•	Animal welfare, unless the project benefits people (eg disabled riding schemes).
•	Statutory work in educational institutions.
•	Sponsored or fundraising events or groups raising funds to distribute to other causes.
•	Schools, churches, parish councils or PTAs, unless community benefit is demonstrated.
•	Boxing clubs or associated organisations.
Eligible Expenditure
Grants can be made for a wide range of purposes, examples of which are as follows: 
•	Start-up costs for new organisations or projects.
•	Extension and development of existing projects.
•	Pilot projects (to gather research and evidence).
•	The purchase of equipment and resources.
How To Apply
Applications can be made at any time. 
The application form is available to complete on the Heart of England Community Foundation website.
Useful links
Heart of England Community Foundation - Grants
https://www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk/available-grants/
Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Communities Fund
https://www.heartofenglandcf.org/coventry-solihull-warwickshire-fund/
Addresses and contacts
For further information on how to obtain this grant locally, please contact the following:
Grants Team
Heart of England Community Foundation
c/o Stellantis
Pinley House
2 Sunbeam Way
Coventry
West Midlands
CV3 1ND
Tel: 024 77800 520
E-Mail: info@heartofenglandcf.co.uk

												

Grantham Yorke Trust

Fund ID:	S32270	
Status:	Open for Applications	
Last updated:	24/03/2025	
Grants are available to charitable organisations working with young people under the age of 25 who are in need and living within the West Midlands.
Fund Information
Funding body:	Grantham Yorke Trust	
Maximum value:	Discretionary	
Application deadline:	None specified	
Background
The Grantham Yorke Trust is a registered charity.
Objectives of Fund
The funding is intended for the benefit of people under the age of 25 years who are in need as well as individuals and organisations in the West Midlands area, in all or any of the following ways: 
•	In advancing the education and physical and social training of such persons.
•	In providing financial assistance, outfits, clothing, tools, instruments, equipment or books to help such persons on leaving school, university or other educational establishment, to prepare for, or to enter, a profession, trade or calling.
•	In apprenticing such persons to some useful profession, trade or calling.
•	In promoting or assisting the education or rehabilitation of such persons who are in need of physical, mental or moral care.
•	In assisting by way of education and training the prevention of juvenile delinquency, the abuse of drugs, alcohol and gambling, the procreation of unwanted children and the neglect or ill-treatment of children.
•	In assisting by way of advice, education and training such persons who are parents in the upbringing of their children.
•	In assisting in the upbringing of such persons by advising, educating and training the parents of such persons.
•	In providing for such persons facilities for recreation and other leisure-time occupation in the interests of social welfare with the object of improving their conditions of life and helping them so to develop their physical, mental and spiritual capacities, self reliance and individual responsibility that they may grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society.
Value Notes
Funding is at the discretion of the Trustees. 
Last year, the Trust made 72 grants to organisations and 15 grants to individuals.
Who Can Apply
Charitable organisations based and working in the West Midlands can apply.
Location
Birmingham City, Coventry City, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton
Restrictions
The following are not eligible for funding: 
•	Fees and associated expenditure.
•	General appeals.
•	Staffing.
Eligible Expenditure
The funding is for specific projects.
How To Apply
The Trust does not maintain a website. 
Groups are advised to contact the Trust directly to discuss the likelihood of their project being eligible for a grant. The Trust may then offer to send out an application form. 
Contact the Grantham Yorke Trust for further information.
Addresses and contacts
For further information on how to obtain this grant locally, please contact the following:
Enquiries
Grantham Yorke Trust
The Estate Office
Wharf Cottage
Broombank
Tenbury Wells
Worcestershire
WR15 8NY
Tel: 07940 160 844
E-Mail: chrissy@granthamyorketrust.org.uk

												

Eveson Trust (West Midlands)

Fund ID:	S3321	
Status:	Open for Applications	
Last updated:	26/05/2025	
Funding is available for UK registered charities working for the benefit of people in the West Midlands.
Fund Information
Funding body:	Eveson Trust	
Maximum value:	Discretionary	
Application deadline:	None specified	
Background
The Eveson Trust was created in 1994 through the will of Mrs Violet Eveson who, during her lifetime, made a large number of gifts to charities in her home area. She also chose Trustees from the area to continue her work in accordance with her will.
Objectives of Fund
The Trust provides grants to charitable institutions supporting and working with people with disabilities, mental health problems, children in need, older people, hospitals and hospices in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands metropolitan boroughs.
Value Notes
Funding is at the discretion of the Trustees. There is no limit set on how much can be applied for. 
In the latest accounts, the Trust reports that it awarded 349 grants over a year totalling over £5.5 million. 
For grants over £50,000, organisations must first speak with the Chief Executive of the Trust (email: admin@eveson.org.uk) to discuss the proposed project. 
Organisations may apply for a grant once a year. If additional funding is needed organisations are invited to discuss with the trust. 
Multi-year funding will not be considered unless by invitation from the Trust.
Match Funding Restrictions
The Trust will wholly fund projects but prefers organisations to develop their sustainability by working with several funders.
Who Can Apply
UK based registered charities and exempt charities whose work benefits residents in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands can apply. 
Applications will be considered from schools and colleges for pupils/students with learning disabilities, physical disabilities or special needs. 
National charities or branches of national charities may apply, but they should take particular care to evidence the benefit of their work to people living in the area of The Eveson Trust’s funding. 
Newly-registered charities may apply, however the Trust is more likely to support more established organisations. 
The Trust also provides some support to statutory bodies directly or indirectly for projects for which the statutory body has no available statutory funding. The Trustees' preference is for enhancement of services rather than for provision of what they consider to be basic needs. Before making grants to statutory bodies, the Trust obtains written confirmation from the statutory body that no public funding is available towards the need for which application has been made.
Location
Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
Restrictions
The following are not eligible for funding: 
•	Retrospective costs.
•	Individuals, even if the application is submitted by a charitable institution on behalf of the individual.
•	Special facilities for people with disabilities to be installed in existing community buildings and churches.
•	Fundraising costs or the salaries of fundraisers.
•	Social Enterprises or Community Interest Companies (CICs).
•	Medical research.
Applications for activities such as day trips, residential breaks, drama workshops and theatre productions, for example, will not be considered unless they have a guaranteed start date. 
Charities holding over one year's expenditure in unrestricted funds will be considered a low priority.
Eligible Expenditure
The funding can be used for project costs, capital costs, revenue costs or core costs (or an amalgamation of different costs). 
Capital costs may include the following (this is not an exhaustive list): 
•	An office or building for the charity to use.
•	A van or minibus.
•	Medical equipment such as MRI scanners.
•	Computers or other IT hardware.
•	Outdoor play equipment or camping equipment
Revenue costs may include the following (this is not an exhaustive list): 
•	The salaries of the staff involved in delivering the service.
•	Room hire.
•	Training on specific skills related to service delivery.
•	Transport.
•	Mobile phone costs
Core costs may include the following (this is not an exhaustive list): 
•	Rent.
•	Utilities and broadband rental.
•	Governance costs.
•	Accountancy and audit costs.
•	Insurance.
•	Staff salaries (including senior management and administration/finance/HR).
•	Stationery.
•	Cleaning costs.
The Trust supports activities which aim to support or relieve any of the following: 
•	People with physical disabilities including visual and hearing impairment.
•	People with special educational needs.
•	People in need of support with their mental health (through a therapeutic programme).
•	Children and young people up to the age of 25 who are disadvantaged or disabled.
•	Older people (aged 55 and over).
•	Hospices.
•	Hospitals (including NHS charities; charities working in hospitals; charities supporting patients enroute to hospital such as First Responders, Air Ambulance charities or ambulance charities; and charities supporting patients when they are discharged from hospital).
'Disadvantaged' children and young people refers to: 
•	Children and young people living in poverty.
•	Children and young people facing social disadvantage, perhaps due to the area they live in having a lack of facilities.
•	Young carers.
•	Bereaved children and young people.
•	Children and young people in the care system or leaving the care system.
•	Children and young people with a parent in prison.
•	Children living in refuges.
•	Child victims of sexual abuse.
•	Children and young people at risk of gang exploitation.
•	Young people in the justice system.
•	Children and young people who are refugees or migrants.
From March 2022, the Trust is no longer accepting applications for medical research. They are now working with the University of Birmingham on developing a more strategic approach to funding medical research.
How To Apply
Applications may be made at any time. They are reviewed on a rolling basis and will be considered at the next available meeting of the Trustees. Groups are requested not to contact the Trust to find out when their application is being considered. 
All applicants should receive a decision within six months. 
An online application form and guidance is available on the Trust's website. 
Contact the Eveson Trust for further information.
Useful links
Eveson Trust
https://www.eveson.org.uk/
Addresses and contacts
For further information on how to obtain this grant locally, please contact the following:
Grants Officer
Eveson Trust
Office 7 Sansome Lodge
6 Sansome Walk
Worcester
WR1 1LR
Tel: 01905 905085
E-Mail: grants@eveson.org.uk

												

HS2 Community and Environment Fund

Fund ID:	S43250	
Status:	Open for Applications	
Last updated:	02/02/2025	
Grants are available for local not-for-profit organisations to support work which enhances the quality of life and the environment of communities disrupted by the construction of the HS2 north-south railway.
Fund Information
Funding body:	HM Government	
Maximum value:	£ 250,000 	
Application deadline:	None specified	
Background
The Government has set aside £40 million of funding to be administered by Groundwork UK through two grant schemes: 
•	The Community and Environment Fund (CEF)
•	The Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF)
Groundwork, a registered charity, will administer the funding over an 11 year period, throughout the first phase of construction of the High Speed Two (HS2) north-south railway and the first year of its operation.
Objectives of Fund
The Community and Environment Fund (CEF) is administered by Groundwork in order to add benefit over and above committed mitigation and statutory compensation to communities along the route that is demonstrably disrupted by the construction of phase one of HS2 from London to the West Midlands.
Value Notes
Two levels of CEF funding are available: 
•	CEF Local – Grants of up to £100,000 for projects which benefit quality of life in individual communities.
•	CEF Strategic – Grants of between £100,001 and £250,000 for projects which will benefit multiple communities along the Phase One route and create a legacy.
A total fund of £40 million is available through the CEF and BLEF over 11 years and it is broken down into the following budgets: 
•	£7.5 million for the Greater London area.
•	£15 million for the Central area (Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire).
•	£7.5 million for the West Midlands area (Birmingham, Solihull and Coventry).
•	£10 million of unallocated funding for cross-border, route-wide projects, as well as to fund bids from other areas affected by the construction of the Proposed Scheme, but geographically separated from the main route (such as off route construction as contained within the High Speed Rail Act).
Match Funding Restrictions
The match contributions for both funds are therefore as follows: 
•	For CEF (Local) grants up to £100,000: 
o	For projects led by community or voluntary sector organisations there is no requirement for match contributions. However, it is encouraged. 
•	For CEF (Strategic) grants from £100,001 to £250,000: 
o	10% minimum match contribution for all applications.
Who Can Apply
Applications will be accepted from a range of organisations including: 
•	Registered charities.
•	Fully constituted clubs, associations or trusts that are set up for charitable purposes.
•	Local authorities.
•	Other public sector statutory bodies such as a parish and town councils.
•	Local education authorities.
•	Foundation schools or colleges.
•	Voluntary aided or controlled schools.
•	Independent schools or colleges.
•	Institutes of further education.
•	Academy schools.
•	Institutes of higher education (including universities).
•	Community Interest Companies (CIC).
•	Industrial Provident Societies.
•	Community amateur sports clubs (CASC).
To be eligible for funding, applicants must be formally established for public benefit and registered as a not for profit. 
Non-statutory bodies must have a: 
•	Governing document (eg constitution or memorandum and articles of association) which includes appropriate statements on members not benefiting financially from the organisation or its dissolution.
•	Minimum of three unrelated people on their committee.
•	Bank account in the name of the organisation which requires two signatories.
Groundwork will also accept applications from partnerships and consortia that: 
•	Have a legal entity as their lead organisation. The lead organisation will be legally accountable for managing the grant and reporting back on project delivery, including the management of any workers funded by the project, and for ensuring that the project achieves its stated outcomes.
•	Are able to submit a partnership agreement which has been signed by all parties if they are successful with their application.
Location
Greater London, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Birmingham, Solihull and Coventry. Funding may also be available for other areas affected by the HS2 construction but geographically separated from the main route.
Restrictions
Grants are not available for: 
•	Individuals.
•	Limited liability partnerships.
•	Private sector companies businesses.
•	Organisations that cannot demonstrate appropriate governance.
•	Purchasing vehicles. (Groundwork will, however, consider applications which include reasonable vehicle hire costs on a project by project basis if it is integral to the delivery of the project, for example, a sports activator who delivers coaching sessions in multiple rural areas and needs to take equipment to each session.
•	Up front development costs, such as planning permission or feasibility surveys.
•	Personal equipment and clothing.
•	Buying land or facilities for future use (for example where the community/public benefit will not be realised within the timescales for this funding programme or to stop future development).
•	Projects intended primarily for private gain.
•	Projects that contribute directly to a company's distributable profits.
•	To help with budget shortfalls, debt repayments or endowments (including funds to build up a reserve or surplus and loan repayments).
•	Retrospective costs. The fund will not reimburse costs already incurred.
•	Projects or activities that are primarily for the promotion of religion or religious belief. (Whilst religious organisations may be able to apply for funding, the project must deliver wider community or public benefits to be eligible.)
•	Project or activities that are primarily for the promotion of politics or political beliefs.
•	Projects used solely for delivering curriculum activity. (Schools or education establishments should ensure their project opens opportunities for the wider community).
•	Unspecified expenditure.
•	Costs associated with fundraising.
•	Any project where funding will be passported to other organisations (for example though a grants programme).
•	Organisational overheads or running costs which the organisation would incur whether the project was running or not (although Groundwork will consider funding support costs incurred as a direct result of running the project).
•	Campaigning or lobbying projects.
•	Feasibility studies.
•	Overseas trips.
•	Any activity that would be in breach of State Aid rules.
•	Broadband.
•	Business rates and subsidies.
•	Car parking subsidies.
•	Ongoing mainenance costs or ongoing running costs linked to capital projects.
•	Speed cameras or vehicle activated signs.
•	Speed bumps or other speed reduction measures such as speed tables, speed cushions, priority narrowing or chicanes.
•	Junction improvements or changes to road layouts.
•	Maintenance/upkeep of pavements, public rights of way or public footpaths.
•	The set up and /or running of community radio stations.
In addition to these restrictions the funding cannot be used: 
•	As a replacement for government funds where there is a statutory obligation to deliver a service or activity (for example the national curriculum or adult social care services).
•	Towards costs or projects that are already being covered through other mitigation schemes, compensatory mechanisms or specific funding related to phase one.
Eligible Expenditure
Grants are available to cover the following types of expenditure: 
•	Capital only expenditure – Funding can be used towards capital infrastructure costs, including the refurbishment of existing facilities, the installation of fixed equipment, new buildings and structures, enhanced access and landscaping. Work should be able to start within six months of an award being received and works completed within two years. A contribution of up to £1,000 towards legal fees on capital grants to enable grant security (eg securing a lease or placing a restriction on title) to be obtained can be included in the project budget.
•	Revenue only expenditure – Funding can be used cover running costs, staffing and project delivery costs. Revenue grant awards are available for up to a maximum three years in length. Funding is only for direct project costs, that is, costs that relate clearly and directly to the delivery of the project. These can include salaries, volunteer expenses, building hire costs and travel costs. In many cases project costs will also include less delivery-focused aspects such as administration, insurance and utility costs. Applicants can also include a contribution (no more than 20% of their total request) to cover a contribution to existing costs such as overheads and management costs (as long as the costs are linked to the project).
•	Mixed revenue and capital expenditure applications will also be accepted.
Examples of eligible projects/initiatives include: 
•	Improving pedestrian, equestrian, or cycle access not provided under statutory services.
•	Landscape and nature conservation enhancement projects which increase biodiversity (including pop up interventions such as skip gardens).
•	Enhancing or replacing sports and recreational facilities.
•	Improving access and enhancing public open space.
•	Providing enhanced or new community facilities.
•	Refurbishing/re-using historic buildings and monuments.
This is not an exhaustive list. Applications for any project which will enhance the quality of life and the environment of communities disrupted by the construction of HS2 will be considered. 
Priority may be given to projects taking place within one kilometre of the HS2 rail line. 
In some circumstances projects which have already secured match funding may also be prioritised.
How To Apply
There are no formal deadlines as this is a rolling programme. Applications are accepted at any time. 
Before applying, applicants are advised to read the guidance notes and FAQs available from the Groundwork website. 
CEF Local applicants must complete Groundwork’s online eligibility checker before completing an online application form. Applicants will be advised of the outcome within eight weeks. 
CEF Strategic applicants must complete Groundwork’s online eligibility checker prior to completing a stage 1 application form. Applicants will be advised on the outcome of their application within 16 weeks and if successful will be invited to submit a stage two application.
Useful links
Groundwork - Community and Environment Fund
https://www.groundwork.org.uk/national-grants/grants_hs2-funds/
Addresses and contacts
For further information on how to obtain this grant locally, please contact the following:
Enquiries
Groundwork
Suite B2
The Walker Building
58 Oxford Street
Birmingham
B5 5NR
Tel: 0121 236 8565
E-Mail: HS2funds@groundwork.org.uk