Heart of England Community Foundation

25/08/2026

More Than Funding. Building Community. 💗

For more than 30 years, we have been helping turn generosity into impact across the West Midlands and Warwickshire. By connecting donors, businesses and fundholders with local charities and community groups, we help ensure support reaches the people and places that need it most 👏

Since 1995, we have awarded over £65 million to more than 14,000 organisations, supporting projects that strengthen communities, improve wellbeing and create opportunities for people of all ages✨

Our role is simple: to bring together those who want to make a difference with those who are making a difference every day.

Learn more: https://www.heartofenglandcf.org/about-us/

19/08/2026

Did you catch our CEO, Tina Costello on BBC News yesterday evening?

When disaster strikes, communities come together👏

In response to the devastating wildfires that have destroyed homes and turned lives upside down, supporters have already donated more than £55,000 to our Emergency Fire Appeal.

At Heart of England Community Foundation, we're proud to serve communities across the West Midlands and Warwickshire, ensuring support reaches those who need it most during this heart-breaking time.

A huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far. Every contribution will help families affected by the fires begin to rebuild 💗

If you'd like to support the appeal, please donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/emergency-fire-appeal-supporting-west-midlands-families

18/08/2026

Supporting West Midlands Families After the Wildfires💗

Homes filled with memories, treasured belongings and places of safety were lost, leaving many facing an uncertain future.

This morning, our CEO, Tina Costello OBE, joined BBC Midlands Today to talk about our emergency appeal and the incredible response from the public. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, we have already raised more than £54,000 to help those affected begin the difficult journey of recovery.

But this is about more than replacing possessions. It's about helping families take their next steps forward when everything has been turned upside down.

To everyone who has donated, shared the appeal, or offered support, thank you. Your kindness is helping ensure that no family has to face this challenge alone 👏

15/08/2026

Supporting Communities Affected by Wildfires 🚨

This week, wildfires across the West Midlands and Warwickshire have had a devastating impact, destroying homes, forcing evacuations and leaving entire neighbourhoods reeling from the impact.

In response to this awful tragedy, Heart of England Community Foundation has launched a campaign to support those affected.

Working with key partners, including the National Emergencies Trust, will help ensure that support reaches the people who need it most and provides a coordinated approach to helping families and communities recover.

Please support and share if you can. Together, we can help raise vital funds for those impacted and make a real difference during this difficult time. 🙏

Emergency Fire Appeal: Supporting West Midlands Families Who'… Tina Costello needs your support for Emergency Fire Appeal: Supporting West Midlands Families

14/08/2026

For many young people, Pitch 2 Progress CIC is a lifeline👏

During our recent visit, we saw the difference they make with 180 children attending their summer camp on one the hottest days of the year whilst enjoying a wide range of activities designed to inspire, engage and build
confidence🌅

Based in the heart of Birmingham Pitch 2 Progress is dedicated to supporting young people from deprived backgrounds, providing safe spaces, meaningful opportunities and the skills they need to thrive. Their work is helping to create stronger futures for individuals and a stronger community for everyone✨

We're incredibly proud to have supported their journey, awarding £122,798 in funding since 2021. This investment has helped transform their youth centre, creating additional space for mentoring and workshops, as well as a brand-new kitchen area to better serve the community.

Seeing the impact was a powerful reminder of why community organisations like Pitch2Progress are so important 💗

11/08/2026

What does being awarded a grant really mean?💭

It gives an older person a place to belong.

It gives a disabled child the chance to play without barriers.

It gives a vulnerable woman the support to navigate some of life's most complex challenges.

It gives someone experiencing homelessness or mental health distress the opportunity to reconnect, create and be heard.

💫Across the Midlands and Warwickshire, we're proud to support organisations making a real difference every day:

🏅 Ashebo (£2,688) is tackling isolation among older people through wellbeing sessions in a safe, welcoming and culturally responsive environment.

👏 Square Peg Activities Ltd (£3,000) is providing accessible play opportunities for disabled children and their families, creating a vital space to connect, have fun and feel included.

🙆‍♀️ Baobab Women's Project CIC (£3,000) is supporting asylum-seeking and migrant women with specialist trauma-informed advocacy, helping those facing complex challenges access the support they need.

✨ Underground Lights (just under £3,000) is delivering creative workshops for people with experience of homelessness and mental health distress, building confidence, connection and wellbeing.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.heartofenglandcf.org/about-us/

03/08/2026

Important announcement 📢

As of today of we will be pausing all grants as we transition our system this month. This investment will help us improve the application experience and make it easier for communities and organisations to access funding in the future✨

We're excited to relaunch our grants programmes early September 2026 and look forward to supporting even more community projects across the region👏

In the meantime, you can stay up to date with the latest funding information and reopening dates by visiting: https://www.heartofenglandcf.org/available-grants/

29/07/2026

Together for change💗

Today we had the privilege of attending the launch of Saints Bar Pool in Nuneaton a project we're proud to have supported with a grant of £474,934 alongside the Warwickshire County Council Social Fabric Fund.

Seeing this vision become reality was a powerful reminder of what happens when communities are given the resources to lead their own change✨

More than a café, this is a welcoming space where families can connect, friendships can grow, young people can thrive and local residents can access opportunities close to home. From parent groups and cooking classes to student support and community activities, Saints is creating a hub that will bring people together and strengthen the community for years to come 👏

In the area? Grab a coffee and support your local community! 🙌

29/06/2026

Looking for funding to launch something brilliant in Chelmsley Wood?

Join us for a Meet the Funder session on the Pride in Place Get Talking Fund. This is your chance to hear directly from our team, understand what we're looking for, and ask all your questions.
The fund supports local groups delivering community activities and events that help shape Chelmsley Wood's future, with grants from £2,000 to £10,000.

📅 Thursday 9 July, 1pm-2:30pm

📍 Three Trees Community Centre, Chelmsley Wood B37 7TP

📧 Sign up: [email protected]

Delivered in partnership with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and the Chelmsley Wood Neighbourhood Board as part of the Pride in Place programme.

If you work with communities in Chelmsley Wood, we'd love to see you there.

Solihull Council Solihull North - Community Development Team Chelmsley Wood

18/05/2026

What does it mean to give with heart? 🩷

We believe that local giving has the power to transform lives. Not through grand gestures, but through consistent, trusted, relationship-led funding for communities that need it most.

I recently visited a number of incredible local organisations that we are proud to support across the West Midlands and Warwickshire. My first visit was to Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre where I met the amazing CEO Zoe Richardson and their wonderful Chair of Trustees Ruth Hereford who spoke so passionately about how they support people living with MD.

Next stop was Pitch 2 Progress CIC, attending their Friday night youth session in Small Heath, Birmingham. I loved my time there, meeting the young people, hearing about how this club is a lifeline for them. I had a go at ping pong but a word of advice, its best to wear flat shoes as you'll see in the film 🙂 Huge thanks to Syed Ali and Obayed Hussain for all they do in making a difference to the lives of young people.

It never fails to humble me, meeting these organisations who genuinely make a difference to people's lives. A sense of belonging for people navigating life-limiting conditions and a safe space for young people to learn, grow, and stay connected.

If you are a business, individual, or family considering how to make your giving go further across the West Midlands and Warwickshire, we would love to hear from you.

This film was produced in partnership with the brilliant Bader Media CIC, we love filming with them and their expertise is second to none 👏

Finally a huge thank you to my fellow Heart of England Community Foundation colleagues and Chair Jude Jennison for being part of 'A day in the life of the foundation'

If you get 5 minutes please watch the film and find out more about how you can partner with us supporting our mission to create happier, healthier, fairer lives across the West Midlands and Warwickshire.

Tina Louise Costello

Nyd de videoer og den musik, du holder af, upload originalt indhold, og del det hele med venner, familie og verden på YouTube.