Important: New application deadline announced

Due to the high level of interest in the Smethwick Pride in Place funding programme, the Smethwick Partnership Board has introduced a single application deadline for the £500 to £25,000 grant scheme.

When the programme launched earlier this year, the £500 to £25,000 grant scheme was intended to operate as an open and rolling programme, with applications accepted until December 2026. However, due to the significant number of expressions of interest already received and the level of demand on available funding, our Board has made the decision to introduce a single application timetable for the current funding round.

£500 - £25,000 Funding Programme key dates

• Expression of Interest deadline: 25 September 2026
• Full application deadline: 23 October 2026

Organisations wishing to apply for funding must now submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by 25 September 2026.

All applicants with a successful EOI, including those whose EOIs were approved during August and September 2026, must submit their full application by 23 October 2026.

Introducing a single application deadline will enable the Board to review all full applications together and make funding decisions based on the overall demand and quality of proposals, rather than receiving applications on a rolling basis when funding may no longer be available.

A message from Jude Thompson, Vice-Chair, on behalf of the Smethwick Partnership Board Members

"The response to the funding programme has been extremely positive and demonstrates the strength of community ambition across Smethwick. In light of the high level of demand, our Board has introduced a single application deadline to ensure funding can be allocated fairly and effectively. We encourage organisations to submit their Expressions of Interest as soon as possible and make use of the support available.

“The Board would like to reassure organisations that the Smethwick Pride in Place programme is a 10-year programme, with funding provided annually by Government. While the current funding round is now subject to a single application deadline, this does not mean groups have missed the opportunity to access funding. Additional funding rounds are expected to be made available throughout the lifetime of the programme.”

If you are considering applying, please contact the Neighbourhood Development Officer before submitting your EOI. Guidance and support are available to help organisations develop their proposals.

Find out more and apply via the Smethwick Pride in Place website.

Useful links and resources

• Smethwick Partnership Board website
• Meet our Board members
• About the Plan for Neighbourhoods Programme (also referred to as Pride in Place)
• Smethwick Partnership Board meeting papers
• Our email address: Smethwick_PFN@sandwell.gov.uk