Supporting local communities and voluntary organisations by offering them funding is the sole purpose of the Commissioner’s Community Action Fund established by PCC Sue Mountstevens back in May 2013.
This year sees the Fund enter its third successful year with a total of over £500,000 awarded to over 150 local projects and community initiatives across Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Somerset.
If you’ve got a community initiative that would benefit from a grant of up to £5,000 this is your last opportunity to apply to the Commissioner’s Community Action Fund before the fund closes until further notice pending the May 2016 PCC Election.
PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “I have had the privilege of seeing first-hand how the grants awarded by the Police Community Trust, from my Community Action Fund have made a huge difference to the local communities of Avon and Somerset.
“Comments like ‘with this funding we’ve become a focal point for the local young people where they can rebuild relationships’ and ‘the planting of a new flower garden has been instrumental in decreasing anti-social behaviour’ highlight the importance of this support and the difference it’s making.
“With only a few weeks left you apply, if you feel you and your local community could benefit from a grant of up to £5,000 I would strongly encourage you to get in touch and submit an application.
“I want to hear from you and help you help your local community.”
Enabling communities to come together and tackle issues in their local area relating to the priorities set out in the Police and Crime Plan, the £200,000 annual grant is funded by the PCC and administered by the Police Community Trust, of which the PCC is a Trustee.
Community and other local voluntary organisations across the Avon and Somerset police force area are encouraged to submit their applications to the Commissioner’s Community Action Fund to be in with a chance of being awarded a grant
On the submission of an application, it is reviewed to ensure it meets the grant criteria and supports the PCC’s priorities, before being put before and considered by the Police Community Trust.
Chair of the Police Community Trust, Bea Salter said: “It has been a great privilege for the Trustees to be involved with distributing the Commissioner’s Community Action fund.
“Since May 2013 we have considered many applications and subsequently awarded Funds to numerous deserving and worthwhile projects.
“The superb work carried out by the communities of the Avon and Somerset never fails to amaze the board, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you and encourage you to apply to the fund before closure pending the PCC election in May 2016.”
Should an application be unsuccessful for the Commissioner’s Community Action Fund, there are other grants available including the Police Community Trust General Fund and the Police Community Trust Road Safety Grant. More information about this can be found here.
For more information about the Commissioner’s Community Action Fund, to apply for a grant or to see who’s been supported by the Fund, click here.