Deadline: 19-Aug-2026
Applications are now open for the FCC Community Action Fund, which provides grants to not-for-profit organisations for projects that improve public amenities and enhance biodiversity in communities located near eligible FCC Environment waste facilities across England.
The fund supports projects under Object D (Public Park or Other Public Amenity) and Object DA (Conservation or Promotion of Biodiversity) of the Landfill Communities Fund. It aims to help communities improve public facilities, protect natural habitats, strengthen biodiversity, and deliver long-term environmental and social benefits for local residents and visitors.
The programme is administered by FCC Communities Foundation and supported by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund. Funding is available for physical improvement projects that create, restore, enhance, or maintain publicly accessible community spaces and natural environments.
Focus Areas
The fund supports projects in areas including:
- Public amenity improvements
- Community facility refurbishment
- Village halls and community centres
- Public play areas
- Multi-use games areas
- Skate parks and BMX tracks
- Sports and recreation grounds
- Church community spaces
- Public gardens and parks
- Country parks and woodlands
- Nature reserves
- Museums
- Habitat restoration
- Biodiversity conservation
- Woodland management
- Reedbed management
- Grazing marsh improvements
- Species conservation
- Access improvements
- Footpaths and cycleways
- Environmental enhancement projects
Purpose of the Fund
The FCC Community Action Fund aims to support projects that improve public spaces and strengthen biodiversity through practical enhancement works.
Key objectives include:
- Improving community facilities and public amenities
- Enhancing biodiversity and natural habitats
- Increasing public access to community spaces
- Supporting environmental conservation activities
- Delivering long-term benefits for local communities
- Strengthening recreational and cultural facilities
- Promoting sustainable community development
Funding Information
Funding is available for eligible projects that meet the programme requirements.
Key funding details include:
- Grants from £10,000 to £100,000
- Maximum project cost of £250,000 including VAT where applicable
- Funding available for projects delivered in phases where each phase is independently deliverable
- Eligible costs include contractors, materials, capital items, and small equipment necessary for project delivery
Eligible Applicants
The programme is open to a range of not-for-profit organisations.
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered charities
- Churches and Parochial Church Councils
- Parish councils
- Town councils
- Management committees
- User associations acting on behalf of parish or town councils
- Local authorities
- CASC-registered sports clubs
Applicants must:
- Be located in England
- Own, lease, or manage the project site
- Have at least five years remaining on any lease or management agreement
- Deliver projects at publicly accessible locations
Eligible Projects
Examples of eligible projects include:
- Refurbishment of community buildings
- Installation of play equipment
- Development of footpaths and cycleways
- Recreational facility improvements
- Accessibility enhancements
- Creation of outdoor community amenities
- Woodland restoration projects
- Habitat management activities
- Reedbed management
- Biodiversity enhancement works
- Species conservation initiatives
- Environmental improvement projects
Ineligible Activities
The programme does not support:
- Projects that have already started
- Routine maintenance activities
- Land purchases
- Staff salaries
- Vehicle-related costs
- Educational institution projects
- Healthcare facilities
- Residential facilities
- Allotments
- Car park developments
- Town centre enhancement schemes
- Overnight accommodation projects
- Facilities with restricted public access
Application Requirements
Applicants should ensure their projects meet all eligibility requirements before submission.
Key requirements include:
- Project location must be within 10 miles of an eligible FCC Environment site
- Activities must take place at a single publicly accessible location
- Applicants must demonstrate legal control of the site
- Projects must align with Object D or Object DA funding criteria
- Applications will be assessed against programme priorities and eligibility requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the FCC Community Action Fund?
- Registered charities
- Churches and Parochial Church Councils
- Parish and town councils
- Management committees and user associations
- Local authorities
- CASC-registered sports clubs
How much funding is available?
- Grants range from £10,000 to £100,000
- Projects can have a maximum total cost of £250,000
What types of projects are supported?
- Community facility improvements
- Public amenity projects
- Play and recreation facilities
- Accessibility improvements
- Habitat restoration
- Biodiversity conservation projects
- Woodland and nature reserve enhancement
Where must projects be located?
- Within England
- Within 10 miles of an eligible FCC Environment facility
- At a publicly accessible site
What costs can be funded?
- Contractor costs
- Materials
- Capital items
- Small equipment required for project delivery
Are biodiversity projects eligible?
- Yes
- Habitat restoration, species conservation, woodland management, reedbed management, and similar biodiversity initiatives are eligible
Can projects that have already started apply?
- No
- Funding is not available for projects that have commenced before approval
Are schools and healthcare facilities eligible?
- No
- Educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and residential facilities are not eligible under this programme
Conclusion
The FCC Community Action Fund 2026 provides significant support for not-for-profit organisations seeking to improve public amenities and enhance biodiversity across England. With grants of up to £100,000, the programme offers valuable opportunities for community groups, charities, councils, and sports clubs to deliver lasting environmental, recreational, and community benefits through well-planned public amenity and conservation projects.
For more information, visit FCC Communities Foundation.
