Community Investment

As an organisation Mercian is committed to investing in local areas to help people achieve their aspirations for a better life.

Community Chest

As part of Mercian’s commitment to supporting community involvement and neighbourhood initiatives the association has set aside funding called the Community Chest. It is intended for the use of tenants and leaseholders for projects which benefit your community.

The aims of the funding are to either/or:

  • Sponsor community activities that will support local communities
  • Improve the environment where our residents live
  • Improve the quality of lives for our residents
  • Reduce crime, neighbour nuisance and other anti-social behaviour

Support projects aimed at children, young people, elderly people, people with disabilities, low income households and others with recognisable needs.

Who can apply for funding?

Any Mercian tenant or leaseholder can apply. You do not need to be part of a community group or organisation.

What are the main criteria for funding?

  • The project should reflect one or more of the aims of the funding (as stated above)
  • There must be a demonstrable need for the project
  • The project should benefit Mercian residents as well as the community
  • The applicant should have the skills and experience to deliver the project or be willing to gain these skills and experience

There must be details of the cost and timescales.

What sorts of projects are eligible?

Possible projects could include the following amongst many others:

  • Community gardens
  • Litter picks
  • Elderly person’s projects
  • Children or youth projects
  • Fun days
  • Sport
  • Crime prevention (neighbourhood watch)
  • Setting up support groups (e.g. lone parent, parent and toddler, elderly person’s befriending etc)
  • Transport for trips
  • Play areas (improving, building etc)
  • Environmental projects (recycling, tree planting, food co-ops etc)
  • Social events
  • Training (e.g. computers, child care, first aid, literacy, advice work, arts, sports, counselling, community work, setting up groups, book-keeping etc)
  • Arts (including painting, writing, graphic, music, drama).

But the list is endless. The main criteria is that the funding is used for projects that are supported by and will benefit local community members.

For further information and details of how to apply click here.

Download an application form for funding here.

Download a full set of rules here.

If you wish to discuss your ideas or would like help completing the form please contact:

Customer Involvement Team on 0121 322 7373

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