My Community Fund 2026: Supporting Safer Communities in the West Midlands (UK)

Deadline: 13-Mar-2026

The My Community Fund provides grants of up to £5,000 to local groups and organisations in the West Midlands to support community safety and resilience. Funding focuses on crime prevention, violence reduction, road safety, victim support, hate crime prevention, and youth rehabilitation, with projects aligned to the Police and Crime Plan 2025–29. Projects must demonstrate measurable impact and be delivered within the local community.

About the Fund

The My Community Fund, administered by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) West Midlands, is designed to strengthen communities by supporting initiatives that reduce crime, protect vulnerable groups, and promote safer environments. Funding comes from cash seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act, ensuring communities benefit directly from criminal justice outcomes.

Funding Objectives

Projects supported by the fund aim to:

• Strengthen community policing to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour

• Reduce violence including domestic abuse, male violence against women and girls, youth violence, knife crime, and assaults on retail and business workers

• Improve road and travel safety through awareness and prevention campaigns

• Reduce neighbourhood crime, including residential burglary, street robbery, vehicle theft, and fraud

• Support victims and witnesses with high-quality services, welfare support, and access to justice

• Promote an equal and fair community by preventing and tackling hate crime

• Support prevention and rehabilitation for children, youth, and vulnerable populations

Funding Details

• Total Fund Available: £330,000

• Grant Amount: Up to £5,000 per project

• Project Duration: Maximum 12 months

• Payment Structure: 80% upfront, 20% upon completion and submission of monitoring information

• Project Start Date: Not before July 2026

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must be based within the West Midlands Police Force area and demonstrate clear benefits to local community safety. Eligible organisations include:

• Registered charities

• Social enterprises

• Community interest companies (CICs)

• Similar community-focused organisations

Applicants must also:

• Hold appropriate policies and procedures to manage projects safely

• Have insurance coverage for project activities

• Include the OPCC logo in all promotional materials

Eligible Activities

Projects can focus on any of the following areas aligned with the Police and Crime Plan 2025–29:

1. Community Policing & Crime Prevention – Building trust and engagement, neighbourhood patrol support

2. Violence Reduction – Domestic abuse prevention, youth violence intervention, public safety initiatives

3. Road Safety – Campaigns against speeding, drink/drug driving, seatbelt and mobile phone misuse

4. Neighbourhood Crime Reduction – Burglary, street robbery, vehicle-related crime, fraud prevention

5. Victim & Witness Support – Rights, welfare, and specialist services

6. Hate Crime Prevention – Awareness, education, and community campaigns

7. Prevention & Rehabilitation – Youth programs, vulnerable population protection, substance misuse reduction

How to Apply

1. Identify a community-based project aligned with the Police and Crime Plan priorities

2. Ensure your organisation meets eligibility criteria and holds necessary policies and insurance

3. Develop a project plan outlining objectives, target beneficiaries, expected outcomes, and budget

4. Submit your application via the OPCC portal before the deadline

5. Monitor and report on project progress to receive final 20% of funding

Priority Considerations

• Projects demonstrating local knowledge of community needs

• Initiatives complementing existing OPCC-funded programs

• Measurable impact on crime prevention and community safety

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the My Community Fund? Registered charities, social enterprises, CICs, and similar community organisations within the West Midlands.
2. What is the maximum grant amount? £5,000 per project.
3. How long can projects run? Up to 12 months.
4. Are there restrictions on start dates? Projects should not begin before July 2026.
5. What funding areas are prioritised? Crime prevention, violence reduction, road safety, victim support, hate crime prevention, and youth rehabilitation.
6. How is funding disbursed? 80% upfront and 20% upon project completion and reporting.
7. Must promotional materials include the OPCC logo? Yes, all communications about funded projects must include the OPCC logo.

Conclusion

The My Community Fund empowers local groups to make the West Midlands safer and stronger by supporting initiatives that prevent crime, protect vulnerable populations, and foster community resilience. With targeted funding, clear priorities, and measurable outcomes, the program enables organisations to deliver meaningful, locally impactful projects aligned with the Police and Crime Plan 2025–29.

For more information, visit Police and Crime Commissioner West Midlands.