Groups in Solihull can now bid for a share of nearly £400,000 to improve their local neighbourhoods.
This funding comes from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) which this year is available for community groups in five wards (Elmdon, Knowle, Shirley East, Shirley South and St Alphege).
The money is collected from new developments as part of the normal planning process. It is intended to support community projects in areas where development has taken place.
The CIL money collected has been added to any unallocated funds from previous years.
The funds are either distributed directly to 13 parish and town councils in the borough or placed into ‘ward pots’ (in areas without a parish council). The CIL fund is now open to ‘bids’ from local communities in the five wards, which must be submitted by Friday 22 May 2026.
Councillor Wazma Qais, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:
“With nearly £400,000 available this year, this is a fantastic opportunity to come up with ideas to benefit the local area and wider community.
“It’s not just community groups that can apply – bids are open to a wide variety of organisations, and could include residents’ associations, registered charities, state schools or statutory infrastructure providers.
“CIL funds can make a real difference to groups and neighbourhoods, and I urge any interested organisations to check if they meet the requirements and then make a bid.”
To be considered, groups and organisations must be formally constituted; have a bank account with two unrelated signatories; at least two unrelated management committee members if they are an unincorporated organisation or a voluntary group and show good financial management procedures, including records of income and expenditure.
For more information visit the Neighbourhood Proportion section of the Council website. If you are interested, please contact the CIL team via cil@solihull.gov.uk or call on 0121 704 8008.
This table details the amount of funding available for each ward:
| Area | Funds Available |
|---|---|
| Elmdon | £11,469 |
| Knowle | £96,601 |
| Shirley East | £10,030 |
| Shirley South | £252,003 |
| St Alphege | £18,861 |
| Total | £388,964 |
Other funding opportunities
If a project cannot be funded through the Neighbourhood CIL funds, then there may be other funding opportunities available. Details on these other potential sources of funding intended to support the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) can be found on the Council’s webpages.
A range of support is available for all activities, groups and organisations that operate within the borough. This includes the Council’s Community Development Team (CDT) and the Warwickshire & Solihull Community and Voluntary Action (CAVA). Details on the support available can be found on the Council’s website.