Community and Environment Fund (CEF) and Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF)

Objectives:

• CEF aims to provide additional benefits beyond statutory compensation to communities affected by HS2 construction.
• BLEF aims to support local economies disrupted by HS2 construction with additional benefits beyond statutory compensation.

Target Beneficiaries:

• CEF targets voluntary/community sector organizations such as registered charities, constituted community groups, Community Interest Companies (CICs), social enterprises, and community businesses.
• BLEF targets organizations with formal objectives supporting local business and tourism development.
• Eligible applicants must be formally established for public benefit, not-for-profit, have a governing document, a minimum of 3 unrelated committee members, and a bank account with two signatories.

Key Features:

• Total funding of £45 million: £40 million for Phase One disruption areas and £5 million for Phase 2a areas.
• CEF Local grants up to £75,000 for smaller projects focused on quality of life and environment in individual communities.
• CEF Strategic grants from £75,001 to £250,000 for larger projects across multiple communities.
• BLEF grants from £10,000 to £250,000 for capital or revenue projects supporting local economies.
• Examples of CEF projects:
  • pedestrian/cycle access improvements
  • nature conservation
  • sports facilities enhancement
  • community facilities
  • historic building refurbishment
• Examples of BLEF projects:
  • promotional activities
  • events to increase footfall
  • tourism support
  • public realm enhancements
  • business support and training

Application Process:

• Applications open from March 8, 2017, to March 31, 2035.
• Decisions for grants up to £75,000 typically within 8 weeks.
• Larger grants (£75,001 to £250,000) involve a two-stage application with decisions approximately 16 weeks after each stage.
• Applicants should review guidance and FAQs at hs2funds.org.uk before applying.