12 May 2023
Up to £200,000 to be awarded to community organisations thanks to Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner
Grants between £1,000 and £5,000 are now available from The Commissioner’s Crime Prevention Fund. This fund aims to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour through community projects and activities across the region.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) set up the fund in partnership with Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) and Quartet Community Foundation (QCF), who facilitate the application process and help communities become safer.
Grants will be awarded to successful applicants to run a local project that results in everyone benefiting from reduced crime and antisocial behaviour; or a project for a specific group of people who are at higher risk of being the victims or perpetrators of crime and antisocial behaviour.
Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Mark Shelford said: “Firstly, I would like to congratulate and thank all of the local community groups and organisations who have previously been awarded this grant. They have delivered some fantastic crime reducing initiatives and activities.
“I implore local organisations or community groups to apply for this worthwhile funding, so that together we can reduce anti-social behaviour and make our communities safe.”
The fund has nearly £200,000 to give out a year and around 50 grants will be awarded each year.
The money will be distributed around the area covered by Avon & Somerset Police based on the number of people who live in each place. That means that approximately:
- £60,000 to groups in Somerset
- £80,000 will be awarded to groups in Bristol
- £20,000 each to groups in BANES, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
Programmes Director at Somerset Community Foundation, Andrew Ridgewell added: “Alongside the Crime Prevention Fund that is currently available, we’ll also be opening the Preventing Victims Fund in late July. This new fund will award grants to help enable organisations working in the field to develop initiatives preventing people from becoming victims.”
The Commissioner’s Crime Prevention Fund is now open to applications. Groups based in Somerset can apply for a grant by visiting: www.somersetcf.org.uk/opcc or by calling 01749 344949.
Any groups based in BANES, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire can apply to Quartet Community Foundation.
Any community group or charitable organisation wishing to apply for funding should visit the SCF website where they can find guidance on how to make an application: www.somersetcf.org.uk/apply
Somerset Community Foundation is a grant-making charity that helps passionate people in Somerset change the world on their doorstep by funding local charities and inspiring local giving and philanthropy. They aim to build stronger communities in Somerset where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Through their grant-making they provide rewarding and impactful ways for donors to give through them, to the causes and places they care about most. Together, they fund amazing organisations and the passionate people that change lives every day.
Since SCF were founded in 2002 they’ve awarded over £20 million in funding, changing thousands of lives across Somerset.