Foundation to offer grants through Wembley Stadium Foundation's Communities Fund

The Aston Villa Foundation is proud to have been appointed as Birmingham's local delivery partner for the Wembley Stadium Foundation's Communities Fund.

The fund will support thousands of young people across Birmingham, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Newcastle over the next two years, helping them to get active, express themselves and access opportunities in sport, football, music and creative activities. It is specifically aimed at reaching those who face the greatest barriers to participation, helping to reduce inequalities in access and create more opportunities for young people to thrive.

The programme will also help young people develop a stronger sense of ownership and pride in their city, while creating a legacy for sport, physical activity and the performing arts.

This investment forms part of the Wembley Stadium Foundation's Communities Fund, supporting young people and organisations across England's UEFA EURO 2028 Host Cities. Over the next two years, the fund will invest £1 million to support projects that increase participation in football, sport, music and creative activities among young people facing barriers to access.

As Birmingham's local delivery partner, the Aston Villa Foundation will manage the distribution of community grants to grassroots organisations across the city, ensuring funding reaches those best placed to make a lasting difference.

We will work with community groups, schools and local partners to increase access to sport, physical activity, arts and cultural opportunities for young people and families. By investing in trusted grassroots organisations, we aim to help tackle barriers such as poverty, social isolation and inequality, while strengthening community capacity and sustainability.

Aligned with the Foundation's mission to create thriving communities, the programme will support projects that improve wellbeing, build life skills, strengthen connections and inspire ambition. From sport and youth leadership to creative arts and community events, the focus is on creating opportunities that leave a lasting legacy for Birmingham's communities.

How to Get Involved

The fund will provide grants of up to £5,000 to support projects focused on sport and physical activity, as well as arts and culture. Grassroots organisations across Birmingham are eligible to apply, with priority given to projects that improve opportunities and outcomes for young people.

Applications should demonstrate:

• Increased participation in sport, arts or cultural activities within Birmingham communities
• A lasting impact on participation levels and individuals' sense of belonging
• A contribution to organisational sustainability
• Robust monitoring and evaluation processes that demonstrate the impact of the funding

To find out how your grassroots organisation could benefit from a grant, please complete the application form below.