A NEW round of funding for community organisations supporting crime prevention has been opened for applications.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Berkshire, Matthew Barber, has begun taking applications for the first round of The Community Fund for this year.
The Community Fund sees £200,000 of grant funding made available to community and voluntary groups who support police efforts to prevent crime.
Funding helps projects from organisations across the Thames Valley who support one of the PCC’s Police and Criminal Justice Plan priorities.
These include strong local policing, fighting serious organised crime, tackling fraud or cyber crime, improving criminal justice, or combating illegal encampments.
Funding comes from the proceeds of items seized from criminals which cannot be returned to their owners and are instead sold.
Applications close at noon on Monday, January 29, with successful applicants invited to a presentation event on Monday, March 11.
Mr Barber said: “I’m pleased to announce the Community Fund is once again open for applications.
“A total of £200,000 of grant funding is available for community and voluntary groups to apply for, with the aim of reducing crime across the Thames Valley.”
He explained: “We are fortunate to have an active community across Thames Valley, who play a significant role in supporting Thames Valley Police to tackle local issues around crime prevention and supporting vulnerable groups in our communities.
“I have had the pleasure of visiting a number of previously-funded organisations over the past year, seeing first-hand the positive impact funding received through my Community Fund has had on our communities.
“I look forward to receiving applications which focus on a range of areas within my Police and Criminal Justice Plan including crime prevention, cybercrime and fraud, supporting victims and reducing re-offending.”
Jason Hogg, Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police, said: “The Community Fund provides a bi-annual opportunity for community and voluntary groups to apply for funding in support of projects which support the 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 within our communities is a real privilege.
“This funding will ensure organisations can continue to run important projects that play a key role in preventing crime and protecting our communities.”
Further details, including access to an application form, are available via: thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk
