Grant News
National Highways has a £2 million legacy fund to support not-for-profit organisations in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. This initiative accompanies the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet road improvement project and aims to deliver lasting benefits to local communities.
Eligible applicants include local schools, registered charities, community groups, environmental organisations, parish councils, and other voluntary sector bodies.
The fund comprises two streams: the Social Value Fund and the Community Fund.
The Social Value Fund offers grants between £15,000 and £200,000, with a total allocation of £1.7 million. It supports capital projects that align with National Highways' social value pillars: economic prosperity, environmental improvement, community wellbeing, and equality and diversity. Eligible projects must be located in Bedfordshire or Cambridgeshire, demonstrate a connection to the A428 scheme, and be completed and invoiced by 31 March 2027. Application windows occur biannually, with the next open from May to July 2025.
The Community Fund, managed by the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, provides grants up to £15,000 from a £250,000 pool. It targets smaller voluntary and community organisations focusing on local economic development, community cohesion, and environmental enhancement.
Further details for the Community Fund are available on the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation's website.
Examples of projects supported include:
Examples of Funded Projects:
- Potton Primary School: Developed a sensory garden to provide children with an accessible outdoor learning environment.
- Eaton Socon Cricket Club: Upgraded facilities to ensure inclusivity for all community members.
- St Neots Museum: Created two immersive digital experiences to showcase historical archaeological findings.