A new community funding scheme has been launched as part of Solihull Council’s environmental contract with Veolia and £10,000 is available to the borough’s local community groups and clubs.
The Community Improvement Fund is aimed at groups who are looking to improve local areas. Constituted groups and clubs in Solihull can apply for up to £1,000 in funding for projects that benefit the local community or environment.
Projects could focus on:
- planting wildflowers
- clearing paths to enable access
- helping the community to upcycle and reuse furniture
- using green space to support biodiversity or create a sustainable garden.
All applications are welcome.
Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, Cllr Ken Hawkins, said: “This is a wonderful gesture from our partners Veolia and it demonstrates their commitment to supporting local people who want to make a difference to their environment.
“We have a proud history of local volunteers working to maintain and improve the borough. Many of our parks have incredible Friends groups and our army of volunteer litter pickers dramatically increased during and after the pandemic. I really hope that people come forward and use these funds to strengthen their local work. The money is not match-funded so your group doesn’t need to have anything in the kitty already, it just needs to be a constituted group or club with the desire to improve the local area.”
Shaun Donohue, General Manager for North and Midlands for Veolia said: “We are thrilled to launch the Community Improvement Fund in Solihull. We hope that the support provided by the fund will encourage and inspire local community groups to identify projects that will enhance the local area. We look forward to receiving some fantastic applications and supporting projects.”
The closing date for applications is Monday 27 March. To apply visit www.solihull.veolia.co.uk/community/funding . If you need any help with your application, please contact Sustainability and Outreach Officer, Kerry Taylor at kerry.taylor@veolia.com .