Anglian Water opens £5.8m environmental grants fund

Charities, community groups, schools and environmental organisations in Suffolk and across the East of England can now apply for grants of up to £100,000 from Anglian Water's new Thriving Communities Fund.

Needham Lake
The £5.8m fund aims to nurture, repair and protect the natural environment.

Why it matters: Grants are available for environmental projects, with £5.8m on offer over the next five years.

The details: Applications opened on Monday, 10th November, with the first round closing on Sunday, 1st February 2026. Anglian Water is working with the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation to administer the fund.

  • Larger applications over £50,000 follow a two-stage process, with initial expressions of interest due by 8th December 2025.
  • Projects must primarily nurture, repair, protect or sustain the natural environment, including water systems and connected ecosystems.
  • Applicants must demonstrate environmental and community benefits.

The bigger picture: The fund is part of a £62.8m package agreed with Ofwat earlier this year, which also includes investment in drainage, flooding and sewage spill reduction at high-risk sites.

What they're saying: Emma Staples, director of corporate affairs at Anglian Water, said: "The fund will be a fantastic boost for local people in the Anglian Water region who are working to improve the places they care about and create a positive lasting future legacy that protects and sustains the precious environment we all share here in the East of England."

The bottom line: Local groups have until 1st February 2026 to apply for grants of up to £100,000 to protect and restore the region's natural environment.

Get the full criteria and apply

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