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Clean Air Small Sparks Fund

Do you have an idea for a step towards cleaner air in the West Midlands?  Will it bring people together and create connections? 

 

The WMCA Air Quality Small Sparks Fund gives microgrants of up to £500. These grants support community groups, organisations and schools who want to test new ideas related to air quality and we encourage small community groups to apply. This new idea might be an event, activity, or initiative. 

Here are the main goals of the fund and some ideas your community group can use to apply for funding. 

Key aims of the fund:

  • Spreading the word and sharing stories on air pollution and its impacts on health.  
  • Understanding air pollutant concentrations in the local area and encouraging residents to check pollution levels on the WMCA dashboard, sharing what they find with their local community. 
  • Finding ways to help communities work towards cleaner air such as promoting walking, cycling and public transport. 

Ideas for Funding

  • Community storytelling benches – install a bench with a QR code linking to community voices sharing experiences, perhaps sharing accounts of a nearby feature to improve air quality.
  • Put up anti-idling signs and banners close to schools and public areas. This will help to discourage vehicle idling.
  • Host small events that bring local people together and raise awareness of air quality.
  • Monitor and analyse pollution levels and track trends using the WMCA dashboard. 
  • Travel passes
  • Buying resources to reduce pollution – air purifiers and green walls.
  • Bike maintenance and repair workshops.
  • Create a library of things – set up a lending system for tools, gardening equipment or small appliances. This helps to cut down on unnecessary buying.
  • Subsidised coach travel for sports teams and community groups as an alternative to using multiple cars

The application process is simple

1. Submit your idea using this form. 

2. We’ll review your idea based on the evaluation criteria outlined in point 3 below.

3. Share your story as reflective case studies with photos.  We will provide more information on this should your application be successful. 
 

Eligibility Criteria 

  1. You can apply as a community group, community organisation or school which is operating in the West Midlands area – funds must be spent within the WMCA region. This includes Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton.  
  2. Have an idea that is connected to improving air quality specifically.  
  3. Spending must be complete by August 30th 2025. Each application will be scored on the evaluation criteria below.  Please also note that consideration will be made to ensure the fund is spread across the region and between community organisations and schools.  

Evaluation Criteria 

  1. How does this idea reflect the aim(s) of the fund? 
  2. To what extent does this idea connect people? 
  3. How robust are the costings. 

Deadline for submissions is Wednesday 28th May 2025.

The WMCA micro grants scheme can’t fund activities promoting political or religious aims.  It also cannot provide financial benefits to individuals, businesses or ‘for profit’ organisation. 

To apply for this funding please complete this brief  form  that asks three questions.  WMCA’s Environment team has a wealth of knowledge on implementing your ideas so it’s recommended that you get in touch with us at environment@wmca.org.uk to soundboard your ideas.