Open Call: Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Communities Fund (UK)

Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

The Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Communities Fund provides grants to local organisations addressing health, disadvantage, and community needs across Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire. Eligible organisations can apply for between £500 and £3,000 to support projects, pilot activities, start-up costs, equipment, and other initiatives that strengthen local communities.

About the Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Communities Fund

The Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Communities Fund is supported through the endowment of the Heart of England Community Foundation. The fund aims to strengthen communities across Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire by supporting organisations that understand local challenges and can deliver practical solutions. It provides flexible funding for a range of community activities and encourages organisations to develop projects that create tangible benefits for local residents. What Does the Fund Support? The fund prioritises projects that respond to local needs and strengthen community wellbeing.

Priority is given to initiatives that:

- Promote health and wellbeing. - Tackle disadvantage and inequality. - Address local solutions to local needs. - Strengthen community cohesion. - Develop sustainable and supportive communities. - Create tangible benefits for local residents. Types of Activities Supported The fund offers flexibility in the types of costs and activities that can be supported. Eligible applications can include funding for: - Start-up costs. - Extensions to existing projects. - Pilot projects for research or evidence gathering. - Equipment purchases. - Resources required to deliver community activities. Applicants should demonstrate how the requested funding will contribute to clear community outcomes. Funding Available Grants of between £500 and £3,000 are available. The minimum amount that can be requested is £500, while the maximum grant is £3,000. All awarded funding must be spent within one year of the grant award. Who Can Apply? The fund is open to a wide range of charitable, community, educational, and locally focused organisations.

Eligible applicants include:

- Registered charities. - Charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs). - Constituted community groups. - Companies limited by guarantee with charitable aims. - Parish councils. - Schools. - Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs). - Churches where community benefit is demonstrated. - Community interest companies (CICs). - Co-operatives. - Registered community benefit societies. - Registered industrial and provident societies. National Charities National charities may also be considered, but they must demonstrate a genuine local presence.

A national charity should have:

- A local branch. - Its own bank account. - Its own management committee. This requirement helps ensure that funding supports organisations with direct local involvement in Coventry, Solihull, or Warwickshire. Health and Wellbeing Health and wellbeing are key priorities of the fund. Projects can focus on activities that improve people’s wellbeing, strengthen community support, and help address local health-related challenges. The fund is intended to support community-based solutions rather than statutory or private healthcare provision. Tackling Disadvantage The fund supports organisations working with people experiencing disadvantage. Applicants should explain the local challenges they are addressing and demonstrate how their project will help improve opportunities, wellbeing, inclusion, or community participation. Community Cohesion Projects that bring people together and strengthen relationships within communities are also encouraged. Activities can support stronger community connections, participation, mutual support, and more sustainable local communities. Local Solutions to Local Needs The fund places importance on locally driven solutions. Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of the needs of the communities they serve and explain why the proposed activity is appropriate for those local circumstances. Sustainable and Supportive Communities The fund aims to help develop communities that are resilient, supportive, and able to respond to local challenges. Projects should demonstrate how the proposed funding can create meaningful and lasting benefits for local people where possible. What Funding Cannot Support? The fund does not support certain activities, costs, or organisations.

Funding cannot be used for:

- Individuals or sole traders. - Capital builds. - Statutory obligations. - Religious activities. - Political activities. - Groups with significant free reserves. - Retrospective grants. - Contributions to endowments. - Deficit repayment. - Loan repayments. - Overseas travel. - Medical research. - Statutory or private healthcare equipment. - General appeals. - Animal welfare unless the activity benefits people. - Statutory work within educational institutions. - Fundraising events for other causes. Applicants should ensure that their proposed expenditure falls within the fund’s eligible purposes before applying. What Makes a Strong Application? A strong application should clearly explain the local problem being addressed and demonstrate how the proposed project will provide a practical solution.

Applicants should:

- Clearly identify the local community need. - Explain who will benefit from the project. - Show how the activity addresses health, disadvantage, community needs, or cohesion. - Provide realistic and achievable project outcomes. - Explain how the requested funding will be used. - Demonstrate the organisation’s ability to deliver the project. - Ensure all proposed costs are eligible. - Plan to complete spending within one year of the award. Frequently Asked Questions What is the Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Communities Fund? It is a community grant programme supporting local organisations addressing health, disadvantage, and community needs across Coventry, Solihu