HS2 Ltd (administered by Groundwork UK)

HS2 Community and Environment Fund (CEF) and Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF)

About this grant

Grants for communities and local economies demonstrably disrupted by construction of HS2 between London and the West Midlands (Phase One). The Community and Environment Fund (CEF) pays for benefits beyond statutory mitigation, such as biodiversity and habitat work, better pedestrian, equestrian or cycle access, new or improved community and sports facilities and the refurbishment of historic buildings. The Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) supports disrupted local economies through promotional campaigns, visitor events, tourism projects, public realm improvements near business areas and business support or training. Applications are accepted at any time: projects up to £100,000 get a decision in about 8 weeks, while capital projects of £100,001 to £250,000 go through two stages assessed by an independent panel (about 16 weeks each). The separate Phase 2a (West Midlands to Crewe) funds have closed.