The new £1.65m Pride in Place Impact Fund is now open to applications
Birmingham City Council has officially opened applications for the Pride in Place Impact Fund, a £1.65m pot that’s directly handled by local groups to improve their community spaces.
Backed by the UK Government’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, it includes £1.5 million in capital funding and £150,000 in revenue funding. This is to deliver improvements to community buildings, public squares, and local high streets across the city.
Cllr John Cotton, leader of Birmingham City Council, said:
"The Government's new Pride in Place Impact Fund provides a huge boost for neighbourhoods right across Birmingham and we look forward to working with our residents, businesses and community groups to make the most of this opportunity and deliver a lasting impact.
“From safer and more welcoming high streets to better community facilities and greener, more accessible public spaces, these projects will deliver long term improvements that are shaped by the people who know their local area best."
Transforming Local Spaces
The fund is key to delivering the city’s vision of Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together. It focuses on four specific investment pillars designed to create immediate change:
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Community Spaces: Improving or refurbishing facilities and bringing underused local assets back into community use.
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Public Spaces: Funding for new green spaces, public art, play areas, and better street furniture.
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High Street Revitalisation: Enhancing shop frontages and market infrastructure to boost local footfall and economic activity.
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Local Partnerships: Supporting social enterprises and community investment districts to coordinate local action.
Who Can Apply?
The Council is seeking proposals from the heart of Birmingham’s neighbourhoods. Applications are encouraged from:
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Community groups and charities
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Social enterprises
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Local businesses (or business partnerships)
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Resident associations
As stated in the initiative’s guidance, “You don’t need to have everything figured out… this is your chance to fund an idea or develop an existing service. We are here to support you.”
Visit BeHeard now to make your application or to find out more: https://www.birminghambeheard.org.uk/bcc/42a6d6f2/
Funding Details & Deadlines
Groups can apply for capital grants of up to £125,000 for construction or refurbishment projects. Revenue funding is also available to support the operational side of these initiatives, with a preference for projects that strengthen community-led governance.
The application window is open now on the Be Heard platform and will close on Sunday 1st February 2026. To ensure the investment reaches the areas where it will have the most meaningful effect, Birmingham City Council is using cross-directorate panels to review bids. All funded projects must be completed and evidenced by 31st March 2027.
