This latest round of the fund is themed around 4 key priorities and projects are invited to apply that are looking to address one or more of the following areas:
- Road safety
- Community cohesion
- Missing people
- Radicalisation
This theme follows the recent launch of the new Police and Crime Plan which was created following an extensive consultation with communities in West Yorkshire.
5500 people responded to the consultation and road safety, community cohesion, missing people and radicalisation came out as key areas concerning our communities.
The Safer Communities Fund is financed with money recovered from criminals by West Yorkshire Police and prosecutors under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). Voluntary, community groups, charities and partners are able to apply for grants of up to £5,000.
The fund was launched in February 2014 and so far just under £1.7m has been returned to over 380 projects from across West Yorkshire.
Mark said: “The Safer Communities Fund is now entering its 11th round and is going from strength to strength. I’m very pleased to be able to launch this latest round with such a healthy amount of money available for good causes and work here in West Yorkshire.
“Improving community cohesion and road safety, reducing incidents of missing people and tackling radicalisation are key areas that I would like to see more projects addressing.
“We all have a responsibility to work together to keep West Yorkshire safe and feeling safe and local groups and organisations have a crucial role to play in addressing these issues. They are often already well embedded having invaluable insight and trust in their communities.
“Another big thank you to our police service and prosecutors for helping to recover this money, ensuring that crime doesn’t pay here in West Yorkshire and enabling the fund to make such a difference across the county.”
Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, Dee Collins, said: “The Safer Communities Fund is an extremely beneficial initiative which gives money back to communities who have been harmed by criminals.
“By reinvesting seized criminal assets, we can support worthwhile organisations and projects that make a real difference in West Yorkshire.
“I would encourage any organisation within West Yorkshire that feels they meet the necessary criteria, to apply for a grant from the Safer Communities Fund.”
Grant round 11 of the Safer Communities Fund closes for applications at 12pm on 26 May 2017.
To find out more about the Safer Communities Fund, including how to apply visit https://www.westyorkshire-pcc.
