- The award winning Commissioner’s Fund is open for business once more
- To date, the fund has supported more than 470 local initiatives aimed at reducing crime and anti-social behaviour since it was launched in 2012
- This year, the emphasis will be on Covid related projects.
- The Commissioner’s Fund offers grants in support of new and innovative projects, providing they address at least one of the priorities in the Police and Crime Plan.
- The Commissioner’s Fund was named Police Service of the Year at a National Public Sector Awards ceremony in 2018
Local organisations battling to overcome the financial effects of Covid-19 will soon be able to bid for grants from a fund created by Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Martin Surl.
The Commissioner’s Fund draws on the PCC’s Annual Budget to support schemes put forward by local people to make their communities safer and since he was elected, Mr Surl has funded more than 470 local initiatives aimed at reducing crime and anti-social behaviour countywide.
Grants awarded in the past have covered a range of costs such as practical work, feasibility studies or research projects, group or partnership development, awareness raising, training, equipment and materials, marketing and promotion.
But when the fund re-opens on 5th October the emphasis will be on new initiatives focused on regeneration.
Mr. Surl said, “The arrival of Covid-19 has brought with it unprecedented challenges but it has also given us an opportunity to move forward based on what the county needs and local people want.
“We cannot drift into a sector-by-sector approach to regeneration because, as we are constantly reminded, we are all in this together – and the Constabulary and Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) have pivotal roles to play in that partnership.
“Any voluntary or community sector organisation or group with a constitution and a bank account can apply for grants to support new and innovative projects, providing they address at least one of my Police and Crime Plan priorities. The big difference this year is that I have asked my office to give special consideration to innovative projects that are relevant to Covid”.
These include:
- Schemes involving work with young people
- Initiatives in support of the elderly including care home residents
- Groups that encourage community cohesion and safety
- Projects that in alignment with any of the Police and Crime Plan priorities
Projects will receive funding for one year only because PCC elections, postponed from May because of Covid, are taking place next year. Finance will become available from Easter Monday, April 2021.
CLICK HERE for further information, eligibility and how to apply
If you have any questions, please e-mail commissioners.fund@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk
