PCC invites community groups to bid for share of £330,000 crime prevention funding

Current recipients of the grant funding scheme

Substantial funding, that includes seizing assets from criminals, is being made available by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) to organisations, charities and voluntary groups in Devon and Cornwall to help deliver projects committed to tackling burglary and theft, and its root causes. 

Each year, the OPCC awards funding to schemes that support the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan priorities and her specifically chosen annual theme. The focus for the current financial year has been projects specifically addressing crime prevention measures, tackling drug and alcohol related antisocial behaviour, and preventing violence against women and girls.    

The Commissioner’s latest Community Grant Scheme and the Police Property Act (PPA) Fund is being launched on Monday, September 1. The theme for both funds is the prevention and reduction of burglary and theft - including the root causes of both burglary and theft such as drugs and alcohol, and antisocial behaviour. 

Funding of £200,000 is up for grabs through the Community Grant Scheme, of which £133,000 will be awarded to projects in Devon and £67,000 in Cornwall. 

The PPA Fund varies each year as it is funded by the sale of seized goods by the police. For the next financial year, the total is £115,300. Of that, £78,400 will fund projects in Devon and £36,900 in Cornwall. 

Both schemes are being delivered in partnership with Devon Community Foundation (DCF) and Cornwall Community Foundation (CCF). Each chosen project will be awarded up to £5,000. 

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “It never ceases to amaze me how many fantastic voluntary sector groups we have across the peninsula who all work so hard to improve the lives of those living within our local communities and, as a result, are also helping to reduce crime. 

“This year in particular, I have personally been told first hand on many occasions how devastating the impact of burglary and theft is on victims from homeowners to independent businesses. 

“For many years, tackling burglary and theft has been among my top policing priorities but rather than just punishing offenders, it is vital that we also address the root causes of the problem because that is the only way we will see a reduction in crime rates. 

“I am delighted that I am able to offer £330,000 to help achieve that goal. Any projects will be considered that encompass the root causes of burglary and shoplifting.  

“These could include those seeking to address anti-social behaviour and substance abuse; projects supporting victims of shoplifting and/ or burglary; preventative or early intervention approaches to deter people from committing theft; purposeful and meaningful educational, employment, leisure or creative activities; diversionary programmes for young people; groups promoting positive social interactions within communities or even community initiatives to install physical security deterrents.” 

The PCC has been working with DCF and CCF for many years to deliver grant schemes to benefit local residents. To date, more than £1 million has been distributed through the Community Grant Scheme and almost £500,000 through PPA funding.  

Vanessa Johnson, Joint Head of Grants at Devon Community Foundation, said: “We’re pleased to see the Commissioner proactively seeking to support groups working to tackle the root causes of burglary and theft, and trusting them to create their own solutions to the problems they face.  

“At DCF we’re committed to ensuring the funding reaches those who need it the most, and can make best use of it.” 

Sophie Griffiths, Programmes Director Cornwall Community Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the Police and Crime Commissioner again to distribute these vital funds that help keep Cornwall’s communities safe and resilient.”  

The closing date for applications is noon on Wednesday, October 8. Successful applicants will be notified by December 8. 

To apply for a Cornwall grant please visit Available grants | Cornwall Community Foundation 

Devon Community Foundation (DCF) will be drawing on its database of community groups to invite relevant organisations to apply for a grant. It plans to start inviting groups to apply by September, with the aim of making grants by early December 2025.    

Groups which have applied for a grant from Devon Community Foundation since January 2023, successful or not, will already be on their database and do not need to do anything.  

Anyone new to DCF who would like to be considered for the funding can complete a brief Getting to Know You form. This should only take about 10 minutes and will ensure that you are on the list of groups DCF considers for this and any future funding. You can also complete the Getting to Know You form if your work has changed significantly since you last applied.  Getting to Know You - Devon Community Foundation 

To read about some of the projects that have recently benefited in Devon please click here or for Cornwall projects click here.