Community Action Fund grants now open

We are pleased to once again be partnering with the Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to deliver the Community Action Fund grants to support projects aimed at reducing violence and crime or supporting victims.

The programme is open for applications all year round with the first grants of up to £5,000 being made in June. The fund is supported by money raised under Police Property Act using unrecovered property from criminal activities which is then auctioned.

Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said he wants the grants to fund projects carried out by charities and voluntary groups that support priorities set out in his policing plan for the county for 2022-25.

These include reducing violence and serious harm, such as domestic abuse, violence against women and girls, child abuse and exploitation and County Lines drug gangs. Other targets are road safety and fraud as well as rural, hate and cyber crime.

He also wants to fund projects working with victims of crime, addressing mental health issues and preventing re-offending.

My Wilkinson said: “My office is looking to help fund voluntary groups, organisations and charities that tackle major issues like anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol related crimes and supporting young people. It’s a really great way for us to give back to the community with the money raised from unclaimed property.

“In previous years we have awarded thousands of pounds to some incredible causes which will make a difference to the lives of people living in Wiltshire and Swindon. I want to encourage groups to visit Wiltshire Community Foundation’s webpage to read the full eligibility criteria and get your application in.”

Wiltshire Community Foundation Joint Chief Executive Fiona Oliver said: “We are delighted to be working again with the Police and Crime Commissioner, having had a long association with the office.

“Over the years we have been able to help the Police and Crime Commissioner discover and support some amazing work going on across the county to help reduce crime. Projects supported by the fund will help to build safer, stronger and more cohesive communities across Wiltshire and Swindon improving the lives of local people.”

Wiltshire Community Foundation is organising a Meet the Funder webinar on April 26 for any groups interested in applying to explain the programme in detail and answer questions about eligibility or any other facet of the funding.

More details about the webinar, the fund and how to apply are available here