West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner - Active Citizens Fund

Community Projects will usually require larger amounts of funding and will be supported at partnership level with engagement from other agencies. There is no upper or lower limit on the amount of funding that could be available, but these funds are designed to support projects rather than one-off expenses or events. There is an expectation that these projects will be sustainable beyond the period for which funding is provided, and may take a number of years to show benefits.

Small Grants may be used to help the community to purchase equipment or may be used to support a one-off community event or initiative. These grants will usually be smaller amounts, although there is no upper or lower limit.

The Active Citizens Fund combines three previous streams of funding so that West Midlands Police (WMP) will be better placed to engage with the public and encourage 'active citizenship'. This means that communities in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton will be actively involved in projects that will make a positive difference to themselves.

Local Policing Units (LPUs) have an annual budget to help fund community projects that reflect the priorities of WMP and its partners. The decision as to whether an application is successful will be made by the LPU Commander.

The final decision on funding is made by the LPU Commander for both types of application.

If you wish to apply for a Community Project, this will require more extensive discussions with your LPU Commander and their team, and you should discuss your plans and your application with your local neighbourhood team, who will work with you and help to steer your application through the process which has been agreed on the LPU.

If you wish to apply for a Small Grant, you should discuss your application with your local neighbourhood officer before submitting your application form.

Funding Process

All enquires and completed applications for funding should be submitted to your local LPU Commander using the email address on the next page.

• Groups/organisations must be properly constituted and have a bank or building society account with at least two signatories where we can pay the funds.
• A group/organisation does not need to be based in the community where the project is run, but the project must be of direct benefit to the residents of that area.
• We do not fund individuals.
• You may include revenue items where this is essential to the running of a time-limited project (e.g. for hiring additional, temporary project staff - but these must not be employed either temporarily or permanently by West Midlands Police).
• Match funding is not a requirement, but we will look favourably on projects which contribute additional funds. This can include in-kind contributions such as volunteer time or items/materials donated to the project.

For more information, please click here.