We are investing in a new grants management system this summer. As part of that transition, our funds will close to new applications on a rolling basis throughout July, with a full pause through August and a relaunch scheduled for the week commencing 7 September 2026.
This change is about building a more efficient, accessible, and responsive grants process for the communities and organisations we serve. The timing has been chosen deliberately to fall during our quietest period of the year, when community activity tends to be lower and the impact on applicants is minimised.
What this means for applicants
If you are currently working on an application to one of our funds, please check the deadline for your specific fund below. Applications submitted before the relevant deadline will be processed as normal. Any part-completed applications that are not submitted before the deadline will not be accessible after the system closes, and you will need to start a new application when we relaunch in September.
If you have an end of grant monitoring report that is overdue or coming up for submission, please aim to submit it before the end of July. Draft monitoring reports will not be accessible from August onwards.
Application deadlines by fund
| Fund | Final deadline |
|---|---|
| CSW Fund | 6 July 2026, 12 noon |
| Alan Higgs Fund | 6 July 2026, 12 noon |
| CBS Small Fund | 6 July 2026, 12 noon |
| NNS Digital | 6 July 2026, 12 noon |
| Chelmsley Wood Pride in Place | 16 July 2026, 12 noon |
| IM Stratford Fund | 31 July 2026, 12 noon |
| Harry Payne Fund | 31 July 2026, 12 noon |
| NNS Fund | Please contact Age UK or Northfield Community Partnership directly |
What happens next
Our team will reopen applications on the new system from the week commencing 7 September. We will share further information about how to apply on the new platform ahead of that relaunch. Our team remains available to answer questions in the meantime.
If you have a question about your application or monitoring report, please get in touch at info@heartofenglandcf.co.uk.
We are grateful for your patience as we make this investment in a better, more capable service for you and for the communities across the West Midlands and Warwickshire.