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The Community Fund is now OPEN.

Applications for this round of funding must be received by the OPFCC by 5:00pm on Friday 30th October 2026.

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s Community Fund provides grants of up to £2,500 to support local projects that help make communities across Cumbria safer and stronger.

Funding can support project activities, equipment, resources and project-specific staffing costs. The Community Fund is intended to support projects that provide additional benefit to the community through new, improved or expanded activity or resources that organisations would not otherwise be able to provide.

Funding comes from property that cannot be returned and has been legally sold by the police, along with contributions from the Commissioner’s budget.

Your project must support at least one of the priorities in the Police, Fire & Crime Plan:

  • Tackling anti-social behaviour
  • Tackling domestic abuse, sexual violence or violence against women and girls
  • Disrupting or preventing drug supply or use
  • Helping people stay safe online
  • Tackling rural crime
  • Addressing anti-social or dangerous driving
  • Preventing neighbourhood crime

You are not eligible to apply if you have received Community Fund or Property Fund support within the past 12 months. Organisations that have not submitted a satisfactory evaluation for a previous award are also not eligible to apply.

Before you apply

Please read the Guidance Notes before applying to make sure your organisation and project meet the eligibility criteria. The Guidance Notes will also help you to complete your application correctly.

Projects must support at least one Police, Fire and Crime Plan priority and demonstrate a clear benefit to the local community. Routine organisational running costs such as rent, utilities, insurance and existing salaries are not eligible for funding.

Before submitting an application, you must speak to either a Police Officer, PCSO, police staff member or a Fire Officer who will act as a sponsor for your project. They will:

  • Discuss your idea, ensuring it complies with the requested funding criteria.
  • Help you complete the application form and develop a strong proposal.
  • Submit the application on your behalf
  • Stay engaged with your group to maximise community benefit

If you are unaware of who can sign your application, please contact:

How to apply

To apply, download the Application Form.

Work with your sponsor to complete the application form.

Your application must be signed by the person applying for funding - typed signatures are not accepted.

Your sponsor will submit your application on your behalf.

Ensure that all the requested documents are provided. Applications submitted without all of the required supporting documents by the deadline will not be considered.

Completed applications will be reviewed by your local Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector and then assessed by a Decision-Making Panel made up of the PFCC, OPFCC staff, Police Inspectors and Fire Station Managers who will judge your application against the funding criteria and benefits that can be achieved, taking into account the funding they have available to award. You will be notified of the outcome shortly after the Panel meets.

Important dates

If your application is successful

You will be required to:

  • Complete a New Supplier form
  • Complete an online Engagement Form
  • Sign a Grant Agreement

Funding will be paid into your organisation’s bank account once all documents are received and are satisfactory. Funding must be spent within 12 months, unless otherwise agreed.
You must keep all receipts and invoices.

If any changes to your project become necessary, you must contact the OPFCC before making them.

Promoting your project

If you receive funding, you must:

  • Promote your project locally
  • Work with the OPFCC Media Team
  • Display the PFCC logo where appropriate
  • Be willing to host a visit from the Commissioner

Evaluation

Within six months of receiving funding, you must complete a short Evaluation Form showing:

  • What your project achieved
  • The impact of the funding
  • Supporting evidence (feedback, photos, case studies)
  • Copies of all receipts

Any unspent or misused funds may be reclaimed.

If you would like to discuss the fund or your project idea, please speak to your local Police or Fire team or contact the OPFCC.