The Community and Environment Fund (CEF) and the Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) are two complementary grant programmes created to offset the impact of HS2 construction on communities and local economies along the Phase One and Phase 2a routes between London and the West Midlands.
About the CEF and BLEF
Announced by the UK Government in October 2014 and launched in March 2017 following Royal Assent of the High Speed Rail (London to West Midlands) Act, the funds are administered independently by Groundwork UK on behalf of HS2 Ltd. A combined total of £45 million has been made available across both funds, covering Phase One and Phase 2a. There is no fixed allocation between CEF and BLEF; both draw from the same funding pot.
Funding Size
- Minimum grant: £10,000
- Maximum grant: £250,000 (both CEF and BLEF)
- Combined total available: £45 million (Phases One and 2a)
- Capital and revenue grants are both eligible
- No fixed allocation between CEF and BLEF; awards are drawn from a shared pot
Who Can Apply
For CEF:
- Registered charities and constituted community groups
- Community Interest Companies (CICs) limited by guarantee
- Companies limited by guarantee and social enterprises
- Community businesses and residents’ associations
- Non-statutory bodies must have a governing document, a minimum of three unrelated committee members, and their own bank account with two signatories
For BLEF:
- Organisations with formal objectives that support the development of local business or tourism
- Local authorities, Local Enterprise Partnerships, and trade associations
- Business support organisations operating in areas disrupted by HS2 construction
All applicants must be formally established for public benefit and operate on a not-for-profit basis.
Geographic Eligibility
- Communities along the HS2 Phase One route between London and the West Midlands
- Phase 2a route between the West Midlands and Crewe
- Priority is given to projects based within 1 kilometre of the high-speed rail line
- Projects with match funding may be considered beyond this boundary in some circumstances
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Sector or Thematic Focus
CEF eligible project areas include:
- Improved pedestrian, equestrian, or cycle access
- Landscape and nature conservation projects increasing biodiversity
- Enhancement or replacement of sports and recreational facilities
- Improved access to public open space
- Provision of new or enhanced community facilities
- Refurbishment and reuse of historic buildings and monuments
BLEF eligible project areas include:
- Events and activities that maintain or increase footfall or promote business activity
- Projects that maintain or increase tourism in disrupted areas
- Interventions supporting employment and business sustainability during construction
Application Process
Applications are submitted through Groundwork UK via the dedicated HS2 Funds website. Applicants should complete the eligibility quiz on the website before proceeding to the full application form. The process differs depending on the amount of funding requested. Grants of up to £75,000 (CEF) or £100,000 (BLEF) follow a single-stage process. Larger grants require a two-stage application with a Stage 1 submission followed by a Stage 2 application if invited to proceed. Relevant planning permissions do not need to be in place at the time of application.
Required Materials
- Completed application form and help notes as published on the HS2 Funds website
- Governing document confirming not-for-profit status (for non-statutory bodies)
- Evidence of disruption attributable to HS2 construction
- Project plan demonstrating community or economic benefit
- Evidence of match funding where applicable
- For larger grants: Stage 1 application followed by Stage 2 if progressed
Key Dates
- Funds open: rolling applications accepted year-round
- Closing date: funds remain open for the duration of HS2 construction and the first year of HS2 operation
- Decision timeline for grants up to £75,000: approximately 8 weeks after submission
- Decision timeline for grants between £75,001 and £250,000: approximately 16 weeks after Stage 1, and a further 16 weeks after Stage 2 submission
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Selection Notes
- Projects must demonstrate clear and demonstrable disruption caused by HS2 construction
- All projects must show how they will contribute to a lasting HS2 legacy for local communities