COMMUNITY groups, charities and schools are among those who can bid for a share of £10million as part of the Commonwealth Games Legacy.
A total of £9million is available from the Inclusive Communities Fund for grassroots projects that will unite communities across the West Midlands and get local people more physically and mentally active.
And £1million is up for grabs from the Community Environment Fund for green schemes that connect local people to nature and bolster the region’s resilience to climate change.
The money is being made available for the benefit of local people after the Government agreed to invest the £70million Games underspend back into the region through the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
Community groups and regional organisations will be able to bid for small grants of up to £25,000 and large grants of up to £100,000 from the Environment Fund.
The money will pay for more locally led schemes that improve access to nature and is now being extended to include projects that reduce waste and help make communities more resilient and prepared for the impacts of climate change.
To enable as many people as possible to benefit from the grants, the WMCA is working in partnership with regional charity Heart of England Community Foundation, which will be managing the online portal and supporting the application and appraisal process.
Tina Costello, chief executive of the Foundation, said: “We are thrilled to see even more funding flow to community organisations and change makers across the region.
“We have already seen the impact local projects can play in helping to support biodiversity and increase environmental responsibility – whether tackling issues directly through social action, or supporting communities through education, advocacy and campaigns.”
Equally, there are grants of between £500 and £300,000 available from the Inclusive Communities Fund for projects that will ensure the positive and long-lasting legacy from last summer’s Games.
These could include improvements to facilities, grassroots sports, community, arts and cultural events, and major projects.
All must share the Fund’s goal of bringing people together, improving health and wellbeing, helping the region to grow, and putting the region on the map.
Nicola Turner, chief executive of United by 2022, said: “‘As the official custodians of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games legacy, United By 2022 are excited to be partnered with the Heart of England Community Foundation and the West Midlands Combined Authority, to support local communities to access the new Inclusive Communities Fund.
“We want to offer communities that are traditionally overlooked and under-served, an opportunity to successfully apply for a slice of the £9 million Commonwealth Games Legacy funding.”
To apply for funding visit the WMCA website.
