This document outlines proposals for a Higher Education Active Community Fund (HEACF) in England to enhance the key role played by higher education institutions in the community. The initiative follows from the objectives of the Higher Education Reach-Out to Business and the Community Fund and proposals from the British Department of the Environment, Transport, and the Regions. The document proposes the awarding of 27 million British pounds to English higher education institutions subject to their submission of appropriate plans. The HEACF will run for 3 years from September 2001, and it is intended that up to 14,000 new opportunities for student volunteering will be created cumulatively during the 3 years, and that staff will be enabled to increase their involvement in the community significantly. (SLD)