COMMUNITY groups are being called on to apply for a share of £180,000 to help communities across the region make their areas safer.
The funds, being released by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster, is made up from cash that police have seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
The scheme is now known as the Helping Communities Fund (HCF), but was previously called the Active Citizens Fund.
Its purpose is to support locally based projects, that aim to make a positive difference and which make the West Midlands a safer place to live, learn or work. All funded projects will contribute to crime prevention, reduction, and community safety in the local area.
Since October 2021, the Commissioner has provided each Local Policing Area (LPA) with a share of the £400,000 budget to help fund community projects.
Mr Foster said: “At a time when the cost of living is spiralling, it is right there is funding to support community organisations that aim to prevent and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, promote community safety and support vulnerable victims in our communities.”
A new ceiling for applications of £3,500 has been introduced to enable more organisations to succeed from the funding budget.
Chief Superintendent Anthony Tagg added: “The launch of the Helping Communities Fund has enabled locally based projects and programmes to obtain funding for crime prevention & reduction, and community safety work across the West Midlands.
“Many community-led initiatives are benefitting from this investment, however the Helping Communities Fund also involves communities in deciding which bids are successful in receiving this money.
“I encourage everyone to consider applying to help make the West Midlands an even safer place to live and work.”
The deadline for applications is noon on May 30 – late bids will not be accepted.
Decisions will be made by community panels from June 19.
For more or to apply click here.
