Taking money from criminals and investing £200,000 back into our communities

Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, has opened the second round of this year’s Community Fund, with £200,000 of grant funding available for community and voluntary organisations

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.

On today’s announcement, Matthew 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.

“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, seeing first-hand the positive impact funding received through my Community Fund has had within our communities.

“I look forward to receiving applications which focus on a broad range of areas within my recently launched Police and Crime Plan including crime prevention, residential burglary and vehicle crime.”

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

·       Protecting Communities (including anti-social behaviour and road safety)

·       Protecting People (including domestic abuse and the night-time economy)

·       Protecting Property (including cybercrime and fraud and retail crime)

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.”

The closing date for this round of applications is 12pm (noon) on Monday 9th September 2024 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 31st October 2024.

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