Community groups in Buckinghamshire invited to apply for grant funding

Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), has opened the second of this year’s application rounds to the Community Fund.

The Community Fund, jointly managed by the PCC and the Chief Constable, helps to prevent crime and keep communities safe. Money for the scheme is created from the proceeds from the sale of items seized from criminals that cannot be returned to their rightful owners.

Matthew said: “I’m pleased to announce the second round of this year’s Community Fund is now open for applications. This round is an exceptional £200,000 and we are delighted to be able to offer community and voluntary groups the chance to apply with the aim of reducing crime in our communities.

“In the Thames Valley, we are fortunate to have an active community who play a significant role in supporting us to tackle local issues around crime prevention and supporting vulnerable groups.

“I have been out to visit several groups previously funded this year to see how the Community Fund is benefitting our communities. Over the past month, I have visited five organisations who are working hard to support a number of my key policing priorities.

“I look forward to receiving applications which focus on a range of areas within my Police and Criminal Justice Plan including crime prevention, modern crimes such as cybercrime and fraud, supporting victims and reducing re-offending.”

Organisations from across the Thames Valley can apply for grants for projects that support one of the PCC’s ‘Police and Criminal Justice Plan’ priorities:

• Strong Local Policing (preventing crime & protecting communities)

• Fighting Serious Organised Crime (protecting vulnerable people)

• Fighting Fraud & Cybercrime (fighting modern crimes)

• Improving the Criminal Justice System (reducing re-offending)

• Tackling illegal encampments (reducing the impact of encampments)

Jason Hogg, Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police, said: “The Community Fund provides an opportunity for community and voluntary groups to apply for funding in support of projects which are focused on key policing priorities in Thames Valley.

“Being able to use this money, which has been generated from the sale of items seized from criminals, to support projects who are working to support our communities is a real privilege.

“This funding will ensure groups can continue to run projects that play an important role in preventing crime and protecting our communities.

The closing date for this round of applications is 12pm on Monday 11th September and applications will be considered jointly by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and the Chief Constable.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend a presentation event, hosted by the Police & Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable, on Thursday 2nd November.

Further information, including a link to the application form, can be found at: www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/community-fund.