£5,000 Up for Grabs for Community Groups

Community-based projects in Gwent have until the end of next month to apply for up to £5,000 from the Gwent High Sheriffs’ Community Fund (GHSCF).

Community groups, voluntary organisations and local charities in Gwent have until January 31st 2018 to submit their applications for projects which share the aims and vision of the Gwent High Sheriffs’ Community Fund. The fund is pooled from money raised by the High Sheriff throughout the year. The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, has also contributed £50,000 in cash seized from criminals towards the pot of money which will be awarded next year.

Earlier this year, with support from the Police and Crime Commissioner, the High Sheriff was able to award almost £74,000 to 22 community projects across the local authorities of Newport, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen and Monmouthshire.

The Fund this year aims to provide a safer and better quality of life for the people of Gwent by supporting community-based initiatives and projects that reduce crime and improve community safety. There is also a strong emphasis on projects which aim to mentor and support young people across Gwent.

Groups are invited to apply for grants of up to £5,000 to support a range of costs, which could include:

• Piloting a new project;
• Running costs for a programme of activities; and
• Purchasing equipment and materials.

The grants will be awarded in March 2018 through the annual community grant-making event. This unique event is a partnership between the Gwent High Sheriffs’ Community Fund, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent and the Community Foundation in Wales.

Urging projects to apply, the High Sheriff of Gwent for 2017/18, Kevin Thomas, said: “The Gwent High Sheriffs’ Community Fund provides a safer and better quality of life for the people of Gwent by supporting community-based initiatives which mentor and inspire young people in order to help reduce crime and enhance community safety. There are more than five thousand voluntary organisations in Gwent which help to address local needs, one of the most acute of which is youth unemployment. It is important that grass-roots community organisations, which do so much to improve the life chances of children and young people, get the support they need.”

Highlighting his support for the fund, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, said: “What is so positive about this fund is that it supports community based initiatives which can help prevent crime and build community safety. Taking action to prevent and reduce crime by working with partner organisations and communities is the number one priority in my police and crime plan for Gwent. The High Sheriff Community Fund is another example of how we are using money that we have seized from criminals to help fund worthwhile causes in the community.”

Applicants must complete an application form to be submitted to the Community Foundation in Wales by the 31st January 2018.

If you would like to discuss your proposal, please contact the Community Foundation in Wales on 02920 379 580 or via e-mail at info@cfiw.org.uk. Application forms and the criteria for the programme can be downloaded from the Community Foundation in Wales’ website www.cfiw.org.uk via this link

Grants will be awarded at a participatory grant-making event on Saturday March 24th 2018.