POLICE and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber has announced that the latest round of community funding is open to applications.
Organisations in the Thames Valley area can apply for grants to support projects which help to tack issues featured in the Police and Criminal Justice Plan’s priorities list.
This includes the prevention of crime and protection of communities, tackling serious and organised crime, fraud or cyber-crime, reduction in reoffending and recidivism, and tackling illegal encampments.
The Community Fund, jointly managed by the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable, is used to support the prevention of crime and safety of communities.
The fund is generated with the proceeds of items which have been seized from offenders but cannot be returned, which are then sold.
PCC Matthew Barber said: “I’m pleased to announce the first round of this year’s Community Fund is now open for applications.
“This is a great opportunity to support community and voluntary groups in reducing crime.
He continued: “We’re fortunate to have such an active community across the Thames Valley, playing a significant role in helping to tackle local issues around crime prevention and supporting vulnerable groups.
“I have been fortunate to visit some of the groups we’ve supported in the past, who have benefited from the funding provided to support their communities and help prevent crime across the Thames Valley.
“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, and reducing re-offending.”
Chief Constable John Campbell said: “Using money generated from the sale of items seized from criminals that cannot be returned to their rightful owners is a great way of funding worthy projects and other work across the Thames Valley.
“This funding will play a big part in helping voluntary and community groups across the Thames Valley.
“It will allow them to continue to run projects that play such a big role in preventing crime and protecting our communities.”
He continued: “As ever, we are particularly keen to receive bids for this money from organisations that support our priority areas.”
The closing date for this round of applications is 4pm on Monday, February 6.
For more information about the fund or to make an application, visit: www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/community-fund.
