We're proud that much of Neighbourhood Watch's work locally is delivered by dedicated and passionate volunteers, donating their time, skills and experience to help make their communities safer, more connected and vibrant.
It is also the case that this work can sometimes mean that volunteers can end up out of pocket.
There are of a number of routes for seeking local funding, and we go through these on our fundraising page. We also offer a Community Grants Fund which we theme each year in a different way, so that we include as many different routes as possible.
Fund details - two routes:
Our focus is to help you kickstart, improve or expand your community work. The Trustees of Neighbourhood Watch Network set aside funds for this scheme, and the the next round opens this coming Autumn, so you have plenty of time to get a great application together!
During the previous funding round, 100% of available funds went towards activities or one-off development projects that help groups or associations extend their reach and engage with vulnerable groups in their communities, tackling issues around the cost of living crisis.
Route 1 - Support for new or existing Coordinators/Watches
This time we want to help new or older groups who are needing a boost in recruitment amongst their neighbours. This route is quick and easy to apply for and pays out in January 2026.
Receive a Coordinator Pack from the Neighbourhood Watch shop (mix of stickers, signs, pen, lanyard etc. or your choice of items - shop voucher for £60.
Form closes on Friday 5 December 2025
Route 2 - Crime Prevention Projects
Project to tackle our key crime objectives: Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), street theft, knife crime and cybercrime - value up to £500. 10 available. We are looking for work that you can do in your community that will change things for the better, and ensure a more informed, resilient community.
Examples might be:
Knife crime: First aid training and issue of stab kits to an area where there have been violent offences recently.
Violence against women and girls: Intervention training to help residents safely intervene or record and report when witnessing an incident of street harassment.
Cybercrime: a project to run a series of information events for older, vulnerable neighbours in partnership with Cyberhood Watch Ambassadors.
Form closes on Friday 5 December 2025
Who we fund
Our grants are only for registered Neighbourhood Watch members who are representatives of a registered and recognised Neighbourhood Watch scheme, group, Area or Association in England and Wales. Registered and recognised means: any Association who has signed the MoU; or any area that has signed an area (non-voting) MoU; or any scheme that is registered either on Alert or is formally registered with an Association as previous. If you are unsure whether you fit within these categories, please contact us.
- Lead applicants must be a Coordinator or similar volunteer role (Treasurer, Deputy, Area Lead, etc.) If you are not currently registered in this way and would like to find out how just contact us at enquiries@ourwatch.org.uk.
- You must have 10 or more people registered in your watch
- We don't fund CCTV or private security products or services
- We only fund work or activities that are clearly defined as that of Neighbourhood Watch and that aligns with the charitable purposes within our constitution and with our values.
- Applicants must be part of a constituted Neighbourhood Watch group, to ensure your work and objectives align with ours, and ideally have a separate bank account under the group name, with at least two unrelated signatories. Grants cannot be placed into personal bank accounts and there must be at least two signatories/key contacts within the group in order to apply for a grant. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these requirements, please contact us at fundraising@ourwatch.org.uk
Read our Frequently asked questions below to find out more about the Community Grant Funding.
