Community groups and young people in the West Midlands are being offered a share of £100,000 to support environmentally-friendly projects. The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is distributing the funds through its Circular Economy Call to Action Fund.
Community groups can apply for grants of up to £5,000. In partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, the WMCA has also established the Youth Climate Action Fund, which provides grants of up to £2,500 for individuals aged 15 to 24.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker highlighted the importance of local initiatives in making communities greener and more resilient. He noted that projects focusing on tree planting, encouraging walking and cycling, and promoting repair over disposal are making a significant impact.
"These may seem like small things but they are making a big difference to people's lives and helping to create a real sense of pride in these neighbourhoods," Parker stated. "I'm all for that, so I'm getting behind these community groups with the funding and expertise they need to get more great ideas off the ground and widen their impact."
Eligible projects must aim to improve air quality, assist communities in adapting to climate change, or contribute to the restoration of nature within Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Walsall, Dudley, Birmingham, Solihull, and Coventry.