Thalia WB Community Fund for Environmental and Community Improvement (UK)

Deadline: 01-Jun-2026

The Thalia WB Community Fund provides grants of £10,000–£50,000 to non-profit organizations and parish councils in Cambridgeshire for projects enhancing public amenities, environmental habitats, and buildings of historical, architectural, or religious importance. Applicants must contribute 11% of the grant and ensure projects are well-planned, with necessary permissions and cost estimates in place.

What is the Thalia WB Community Fund?

The Thalia WB Community Fund supports capital projects that enhance local environments, public amenities, habitats, and culturally or historically important buildings. Operated under the national Landfill Communities Fund, the program aims to improve community facilities and environmental quality for public benefit.

Focus areas include:

• Provision, maintenance, or improvement of public parks or general public amenities

• Conservation of a specific species or habitat in its natural setting

• Repair, maintenance, or restoration of buildings of religious, historical, or architectural importance open to the public

The fund provides financial support for initiatives that make public spaces more pleasant, accessible, and environmentally sustainable.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-profit organisations within ten miles of a registered landfill site in Cambridgeshire (excluding Peterborough)

• Parish councils within the eligible area

• Organisations must operate on a not-for-profit basis and have key governance structures, including:

  • Constitution

  • Equal opportunity policy

  • Safeguarding policy

  • Conflict of interest policy

  • Access statement

• Must have an independent management committee and a bank account requiring two independent signatories

Applications from district, city, or county councils are not accepted. Applicants are encouraged to assess organisational capacity before applying, as the process requires detailed management of budgets, cash flow, VAT, procurement, and policy documentation.

Project Requirements

Projects must be:

• Well-developed with reliable cost estimates based on professional assessments

• Contractor-ready, with potential suppliers identified

• Funded primarily from other sources to complement the grant

• Located within Cambridgeshire, within ten miles of a licensed landfill site, excluding Peterborough

• Capable of starting work within six months of submitting an expression of interest

• Free of financial commitments before a formal grant offer is received

Eligible projects include: park improvements, habitat conservation, and restoration of religious or historic buildings.

Funding Details

• Grant range: £10,000 to £50,000

• Applicant contribution: 11% of the grant value, payable to Thalia ODC Ltd if the grant is awarded

• Contribution may be raised through fundraising, but donors must be informed it is separate from project costs

• Grants support capital projects only; all funding and permissions must be in place before financial commitments

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility – Ensure organisation type, location, and governance meet requirements

2. Develop Project – Prepare detailed plans, cost estimates, and identify contractors

3. Secure Funding – Obtain majority funding from other sources

4. Submit Expression of Interest – Include all necessary project details and confirm readiness to start within six months

5. Await Grant Offer – Do not sign contracts or commit funds before receiving a formal offer

6. Pay Applicant Contribution – 11% contribution is required to release funds

Tips for Applicants

• Ensure projects are fully planned and costed

• Confirm all necessary planning permissions are obtained

• Prepare to demonstrate governance structures and financial management capacity

• Avoid committing funds or signing contracts before formal grant approval

• Consider fundraising transparency regarding the 11% contribution

FAQs

1. Who is eligible to apply? Non-profit organisations and parish councils within ten miles of a licensed landfill site in Cambridgeshire, excluding Peterborough.
2. Are city or district councils eligible? No, only parish councils and non-profits.
3. What is the grant range? £10,000 to £50,000.
4. Is there a required contribution? Yes, applicants must contribute 11% of the grant value to Thalia ODC Ltd.
5. Can projects start before the grant is awarded? No, financial commitments cannot be made until a formal grant offer is received.
6. What types of projects are supported? Public amenities, habitat conservation, and restoration of religious, historical, or architectural buildings.
7. How quickly must projects start? Projects must be ready to start within six months of the expression of interest submission.

Conclusion

The Thalia WB Community Fund empowers eligible Cambridgeshire organisations to enhance public amenities, conserve natural habitats, and restore historic or religious sites. By providing structured financial support and requiring careful planning, the fund ensures projects deliver lasting environmental, cultural, and community benefits.

For more information, visit Cambridgeshire Community Foundation.