Severn Trent Community Fund opens new round of funding to help support local services making a difference in Birmingham and the Black Country

Severn Trent is once again offering vital financial support to charities and not-for-profit organisations in Birmingham and the Black Country through its Community Fund.

The latest Core Funding round will provide grants to help organisations across the Severn Trent region to cover essential day-to-day running costs, and continue delivering essential services in their communities.

Applications will open on Monday, 2 November, 2026 and close on Monday, 30 November, 2026, giving eligible organisations one month to apply.

Successful applicants can receive restricted grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 to support core costs for one year. Around 25 organisations across the region are expected to benefit from this round of funding.

Natalie Cunningham, Severn Trent Community Fund Manager, said: “Local charities and community groups play a vital role in bringing people together, supporting those in need and creating stronger communities. Yet many organisations are having to do more with less as financial pressures continue to grow.

“By providing dedicated funding, we’re helping groups cover essential running costs, support their volunteers and staff, and ensure they can continue making a real difference where it’s needed most.”

As well as supporting charities and not-for-profit organisations through its Community Fund, Severn Trent offers a range of affordability schemes for customers facing financial pressures and is committed to helping one in six households by 2030.

Natalie added: “We know many households are continuing to face financial pressures, and local charities are often the first place people turn to for advice, support and practical help.

“That’s why our commitment to affordability goes hand in hand with our investment in community organisations, helping ensure people can access support both directly from Severn Trent and through trusted local groups.”

In Birmingham and the Black Country, recent organisations supported through the Community Fund Core Funding scheme include The Cancer Support Centre, Birmingham Care Group, Life in Community CIC and FastAid Birmingham & Solihull.

Core costs are the essential expenses needed to keep an organisation running. These can include staffing, management and administration, office costs such as rent and utilities, accountancy and audit services, fundraising, communications, and governance or compliance activities.

The funding is open to charities and not-for-profit organisations that provide vital services for local residents, particularly those supporting vulnerable people, and need financial assistance to sustain their work.

For more information about the Community Fund Core Funding programme, and how to apply, visit www.stwater.co.uk/communityfund.

Applications for New Project funding through the Community Fund remain open throughout the year.

To find out more about Severn Trent’s payment support schemes, visit www.stwater.co.uk/help