Open Call: Severn Waste Services Community Action Fund (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 18-Nov-2026

The Severn Waste Services Community Action Fund (SWS CAF) is inviting not-for-profit organisations to apply for grants supporting public amenity improvements and biodiversity projects in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Grants of £5,000 to £40,000 are available for eligible projects located within 10 miles of qualifying Severn Waste Services facilities. The fund is administered by FCC Communities Foundation and supported by Severn Waste Services through the Landfill Communities Fund. It aims to improve community facilities, public spaces, natural habitats, and biodiversity while delivering lasting benefits for local communities and the environment.

About the Severn Waste Services Community Action Fund

The SWS Community Action Fund supports projects that meet Object D and Object DA of the Landfill Communities Fund.

These objectives cover:

- Improvements to public amenities - Conservation or promotion of biodiversity The fund is designed to support physical improvements and environmental projects that provide public benefit within eligible communities in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. What Projects Can Be Funded? Eligible projects can focus on improving community facilities, recreational spaces, public amenities, or natural environments.

Examples include:

- Village halls - Community centres - Public play areas - Sports and recreation grounds - Nature reserves - Public gardens - Parks - Woodlands - Museums - Restoration or enhancement of natural habitats - Conservation and enhancement of species - Other projects that improve public amenities or biodiversity Projects should demonstrate a clear benefit to the local community or environment. How Much Funding Is Available? Applicants can request grants ranging from:

- Minimum grant: £5,000

- Maximum grant: £40,000

- Maximum total project cost: £250,000

VAT can be included in the project cost where applicable. The requested grant should form part of a realistic overall project budget and demonstrate good value for money. Where Must Projects Be Located? Location is an important eligibility requirement.

Projects must:

- Be located in Herefordshire or Worcestershire - Be within 10 miles of one of three eligible Severn Waste Services facilities - Be located at a site that is open and accessible to the public Applicants should confirm that their project site falls within the required geographical area before preparing an application. Who Is Eligible? The fund is open to a range of not-for-profit and community organisations.

Eligible applicants include:

- Registered charities - Churches - Parochial church councils - Parish councils - Town councils - Management committees acting on behalf of a parish or town council - User associations acting on behalf of a parish or town council - Local authorities - CASC-registered sports clubs The applicant must have an appropriate legal or management relationship with the project site. Project Site Ownership and Management Requirement Applicants must own, lease, or hold a long-term management agreement for the project site. Where a lease or management agreement is being relied upon, there must be at least five years remaining on the lease or agreement at the time of application. This requirement helps ensure that funded improvements can provide lasting benefits at the proposed site. What Makes a Strong Project? Applications are assessed against several factors that demonstrate the quality, need, and likely impact of the project. Community Need Applicants should clearly explain why the project is needed and what problem or opportunity it addresses. Community Consultation and Support Evidence that local people have been consulted and support the project can strengthen an application. Sustainability Projects should demonstrate how benefits will be maintained over time and how the improved facility, amenity, habitat, or biodiversity resource will continue to benefit the community or environment. Value for Money Applicants should demonstrate that the proposed expenditure is reasonable and provides good value for the funding invested. Deliverability Applications should provide confidence that the project can be successfully completed, with appropriate planning, resources, and management. Impact and Outcomes Applicants should explain the anticipated outcomes for: - Local residents - Community groups - Visitors and users - Public amenities - Natural habitats - Biodiversity - The wider local environment When Can Projects Start? Projects must not have started before funding is awarded. Applicants should therefore ensure that they do not begin eligible project works before receiving the funding decision and award. What Costs and Locations Are Not Eligible? The fund does not support every type of expenditure or location. Examples of ineligible costs or locations include: - Routine maintenance - Staff salaries - Land purchase - Projects located in schools - Projects located in hospitals - Projects that have already started before funding is awarded Applicants should ensure that the proposed budget focuses on eligible project expenditure rather than ongoing operational costs. How to Prepare an Application Organisations should develop an application that clearly connects the proposed project with the objectives of the fund.

Step 1: Confirm Geographic Eligibility

Check that the project site is within 10 miles of one of the three eligible Severn Waste Services facilities in Herefordshire or Worcestershire.

Step 2: Confirm Site Access

The project site must be open and accessible to the public.

Step 3: Confirm Your Organisation’s Eligibility

Make sure the organisation falls within one of the eligible applicant categories and has the required ownership, lease, or management rights over the site.

Step 4: Define the Project

Explain what will be improved, restored, enhanced, or created and why the work is needed.

Step 5: Demonstrate Community or Environmental Benefits

Clearly describe the expected outcomes, incl