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Introduction
The High Sheriff of Somerset Charitable Trust is an independent charity (no. 1071107) administered by Somerset and Quartet Community Foundations.
Launched in 1998, funds are raised annually by the High Sheriff with the support of past and previous Sheriffs as well as Avon and Somerset Constabulary. The charity was known as Somerset Crimebeat Trust until 2021.
The Trust offers a Small Grants Fund and a Neighbourhood & PCSO Policing Fund while also running a special initiative called Unlocking Potential.
These activities are designed to improve the quality of life for people by preventing and reducing crime through direct work with people in the community. We have a particular interest in work with young people (aged 8 -25) and older people (65+).
Use this page to apply for projects in Somerset. If your project is in North Somerset or Bath and North East Somerset please visit Quartet Community Foundation.
How much is available?
The Neighbourhood & PCSO Policing Fund aims to distribute around £10,000 per year.
The smallest grant we will award from this Fund is £250, and the largest will be £5,000. As a guide, we expect the average award to be around £1,500.
What do we want to fund?
We will fund activities that complement the work of Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) and Neighbourhood Constables within Neighbourhood Policing Teams in the Avon and Somerset Constabulary.
These activities should lead to a:
- increase in unity and engagement within communities.
- more positive relationships with communities.
- reduction in crime and antisocial behaviour within communities.
- greater education around the causes and consequences of crime.
In the past we have awarded grants to:
- Taunton North policing team to work in partnership with a local activity provider to engage young people on Acceptable Behaviour Contracts. The project was designed to increase the young people’s confidence and self esteem, while also reducing antisocial behaviour during school holidays.
- Halcon One Team to run a ‘Taunton Together’ event to celebrate diversity in the community, build positive relationships with local officers, and address antisocial behaviour together.
- deliver productions of ‘Chelsea's Choice’ in schools. This is a piece of theatre that examines how some children and young people can be sexually exploited by others.
Who can apply?
The Fund is only open for applications from charities and community groups working closely with their local Neighbourhood Policing Team, including PCSOs.
Applications should only be made for activities that have been designed in partnership with a PCSO or Neighbourhood Constable and you must be able to provide the contact details of the person at Avon and Somerset Police you have been working with.
Charities and community group must have:
- a board of trustees or a management committee with at least three unrelated members.
- a bank account in the group’s name with at least two signatories.
- appropriate policies and insurances, including safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
Who can’t apply?
The High Sheriff of Somerset Charitable Trust will normally not support:
- Individuals
- National charities and appeals
- Sponsorship and fundraising events
- Animal welfare
- Promotion of religion (including repairs to buildings used for worship)
- Activities that are a statutory responsibility or are not charitable
- Activities that have already taken place
- Projects where funds are distributed to a third party
- Projects that take place outside of the Avon and Somerset Constabulary area.
How long are grants for?
We expect all grants to be spent within a year and in many cases over a few months. At the end of your grant, you will be prompted to complete a short monitoring report.
How do I make an application?
We aim to respond as quickly as possible to funding requests, as we know you are responding to new opportunities as they arise and work often needs to happen as soon as possible.
We encourage all applicants to use our online application form, which can be accessed by clicking on the 'Apply for a grant' link below. This form allows you to save draft versions of your application and return to it later (via an email link sent to your inbox).
However, if you require a paper version of the application form then please contact us.
The form requires you to complete a series of questions about your group and your project, including your budget. You will also be asked to upload supporting documents.
