A TOTAL of £330,000 that has been seized from criminals will be handed back to the people, says the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
Simon Foster (PCC) made the announcement as he launched the latest My Community Fund which reinvests the Proceeds of Crime back into the communities of our region, empowering residents to deliver impactful local solutions to persistent crime challenges.
Community groups and charities are encouraged to apply for grants of up to £5,000 for projects that align with the PCC’s strategic vision for public safety.
Mr Foster, said: “I am pleased to announce that the My Community Fund is back for another year. This is about making sure that crime does not pay.
“There is a real sense of justice in taking money out of the pockets of criminals and putting it back into the hands of the people who are working tirelessly to improve their neighbourhoods.
“Local people know their communities best. This fund empowers them to lead from the front – whether that’s by steering young people away from violence, preventing burglary or making our streets feel safer for everyone.”
Previous rounds have supported everything from youth boxing clubs and anti-knife crime initiatives to mental health support and community patrols.
The Birmingham Community Boxing Project used the My Community Fund to put on sessions in schools and to purchase new gloves and pads for youngsters.
Keith Tucker, from the Birmingham Community Boxing Project, said the My Community Fund helped them to deliver programmes to schools including Welsh House Farm Community School and Four Dwellings Academy.
He said: “Boxing is a proven sport to steer children away from the wrong path in life.
“Thanks to the My Community Fund, we’ve been able to deliver early intervention programmes in schools with tremendous feedback.
“The funding even allowed us to purchase gloves and pads branded with the West Midlands PCC logo, creating a positive link between the youth, the PCC and the force. Many of the children we worked with in schools are now attending our weekly sessions in south Birmingham, proving that this support creates a lasting legacy.”
Applications are now open to community groups across the West Midlands until March 13.
To find out if a project is eligible and to submit a bid, click here.
