Figures released by Mayor Richard Parker highlight the transformative impact of more than 400 community-led projects across the West Midlands, funded by £13 million from the Inclusive Communities Fund and the Community Environment Fund. These projects have engaged over 800,000 residents, boosted wellbeing, and improved prospects.
However, while these numbers are powerful, the sustainability of such change rests not just on individual projects—but on the resilience and reach of anchor organisations. Charities like us ( Our Community Foundation) are embedded in local communities, trusted by residents, and are leading real long-term, place-based strategies. If we are to truly “grow for everyone”, investment must go beyond activity-based grants and instead build the capacity of these anchors to deliver change through aligned, long-term vision.
Anchor organisations like us are deeply rooted, mission-driven institutions that act as hubs for local development. They:
– Provide safe, consistent spaces in underserved neighborhoods.
– Employ and mentor local people, reinvesting in the community.
– Collaborate across sectors (health, employment, education, policing).
– Co-design solutions with residents, especially underrepresented voices.
When well-funded and empowered, anchor organisations can deliver cross-cutting, multi-outcome programmes that align with WMCA’s priorities—not as one-off projects, but as enduring systems of support.
A Catalyst for East Birmingham
Based in Alum Rock, Our Community Foundation exemplifies the role of an anchor institution. Since 2006, we have supported over 10,500 young people and families in one of the region’s most deprived areas. With funding from the Inclusive Communities Fund, the Foundation:
– Delivered mentoring and sport programmes for 150 more young people.
– Hired a new youth mentor and apprentice sports coordinator.
– Developed a 2025–2030 strategic framework focused on youth-led impact.
– Built capacity to scale initiatives tied to local and regional priorities.
Mayor Richard Parker’s visit underscored this alignment: “Our Community Foundation is tapping into the unique ability of sport to bring young people together and set them on exciting new paths in life.”
Our Community Foundation’s approach and our youth-led strategy directly supports WMCA’s key initiatives:
– Living Well: Through sport, health workshops, and mental wellbeing sessions, the Foundation provides consistent community access to preventive health support.
– Youth Futures: It creates real pathways to employment, education, and leadership, mentoring young people at risk of disengagement or exploitation.
– Real Models: Young leaders like Zain, Teyaba and Haider have emerged through the Foundation’s apprenticeship and volunteering pathways—embodying what “real models” can look like in underserved communities.
– Our Place: As a trusted local organisation, the Foundation anchors collaborative, place-based work that builds on community assets rather than imposing top-down solutions.
– Shield: By offering alternatives to crime and antisocial behavior through football, mentoring, and youth work, it supports WMCA’s public health-led approach to violence prevention.
The success of WMCA’s initial investments has delivered wide-ranging benefits:
– 635,000 people took part in free activities.
– 700 jobs created and 4,000 people trained in new skills.
– 2,000 new volunteers recruited.
– 160,000 more residents now live near improved green spaces.
But these outcomes must not remain isolated successes. Sustained transformation depends on anchor organisations being resourced to lead, not just deliver. This means:
– Core funding, not just project funding.
– Leadership development, especially for community-led, youth-led models.
– Infrastructure investment to grow reach and partnerships.
From Projects to Pillars
The West Midlands has already proven that investing in local organisations can uplift communities. Now is the time to go further—to build a regional ecosystem of anchor institutions equipped to deliver on real game changing and community driven initiatives.
We know what works. To scale that success across the West Midlands, we must treat such organisations not just as project partners—but as pillars of the region’s inclusive, sustainable future.
Written by Basharat Dad
Founder & CEO Our Community Foundation
Click below link for to read WMCA report
https://www.wmca.org.uk/news/mayor-s-funding-boosts-jobs-skills-and-community-facilities/