Grants of £10,000 to £100,000 are available for projects across the East of England that improve the natural water environment and deliver associated community benefits.

The funding is provided through Anglian Water’s Thriving Communities Fund, which aims to create healthier natural places and more resilient local communities.

The fund aims to support projects that deliver both social benefits and environmental improvements, such as

Examples of the types of projects likely to fit include:

• Habitat restoration linked to rivers, streams, ponds, wetlands, or coastal areas.

• Projects that protect or improve water quality and wider aquatic ecosystems.

• Community-led work to repair or sustain local water environments.

• Environmental projects that also create social value, such as volunteering, education, wellbeing, or community engagement linked to the water environment.

Eligible organisations include charities, community groups, schools, and environmental organisations operating in Anglian Water’s region

The fund will cover:

• habitat creation and restoration
• species conservation
• capital work and equipment costs
• continuation of projects that are proving to work well
• staffing, salary and overhead costs (core costs)
• interpretation, as a small proportion of a wider project
• materials & equipment
• travel expenses

Organisations applying for less than £50,000 can submit a single-stage application by 1 May 2026.

For grants over £50,000, applicants must first submit an expression of interest, which is open from 27 April to 8 June 2026.

This programme is managed by Cambridgeshire Community Foundation and will be open in multiple rounds over the coming years.

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