Funding Opportunity (North Worcestershire)

WCVYS advised me about this available funding for voluntary and community group activities which help to increase community safety and reduce crime

What is it?
The North Worcestershire Division of West Mercia Constabulary is running a pilot project to offer funding to voluntary and community groups in North Worcestershire (Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest). It will be offering grants of up to £500 from a £10,000 pot in 2008/09 for projects that can be shown to contribute to reducing crime, increasing the sense of safety in communities or supporting diverse communities.

Where has it come from?
This funding is part of a Community Safety budget held by the Division. It is working closely with representatives from the voluntary and community sector to make sure the application process is as simple and as fair as possible.

When must it be spent by?
As this is a one year trial period for the pot, the funding will be for projects running from January to March 09. However, the division recognises that this is a short time span so the funding can be used as match funding for existing projects, where organisations are struggling to find that extra bit of money.

What will it fund?
Examples of community safety projects that have been funded in the past:

· Providing purse alarms to reduce the likelihood of theft
· Crime prevention schemes
· Holiday activities for young people to reduce anti social behaviour during school holidays
· Financial support for community open days

These are just some examples of past projects but the West Mercia Constabulary welcomes all ideas that can contribute to the outcomes, which are:
· reducing crime and anti-social behaviour
· increasing the sense of safety in communities
· supporting diverse communities

How do I apply?
The application form will be available within the next six weeks on the West Mercia website.
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 14th November 2008. E-mailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. Successful applications will be announced by 10th December 2008.

Where can I get help?
Your local policing team will be happy to help you. You can contact them by accessing the West Mercia website at www.westmercia.police.uk