Get Your Applications In

Gwent Groups have until January 31st 2015 to submit their applications for projects which share the aims and vision of the Gwent High Sheriffs' Community Fund. The fund supports local groups who are involved in promoting and supporting community-safety, crime prevention, and youth diversions as well as tackling drugs and alcohol abuse.

Grants are usually awarded once a year in the spring through a participatory grant-making event called 'Your Voice Your Choice'. The event is run in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Ian Johnston. The fund is pooled from money raised by the High Sheriff throughout the year and is supported with a significant contribution from commissioning monies held by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Applicants are invited to 'pitch' for their share of the funding pot at a 'Your Voice Your Choice' community event each year. This will be the fifth 'Your Voice, Your Choice' event that the High Sheriff for Gwent, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Gwent Police and the Community Foundation in Wales have run.

Grants of between £250- £3500 are available to support the following:

• Running costs of a programme of activities;
• Piloting a new initiative;
• And purchasing materials and equipment for a specific project/programme of activities

Examples of the types of initiatives supported include:

• Diversionary activities for young people to address anti-social behaviour and low-level crime
• Skills, training and mentoring opportunities for young people to increase access to training and employment
• Projects which reach out to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds through the arts, music, sport and education; raising aspirations and developing self-esteem and confidence
• Advice, guidance and life-skills education to children and young people
• Support for people suffering the effects of substance misuse, alcoholism and homelessness, particularly where this affects the lives of young people;

Urging projects to apply, the High Sheriff for Gwent, Gill Sheddick, said: "I am very pleased to support communities in Gwent; in particular, those initiatives which build confidence and self-esteem in young people so as to equip them for life in a competitive, adult world.

The GHSCF brings together people who support the office of High Sheriff and many of the small, local charities active in Gwent. It provides a hugely effective way of promoting and supporting those charities who work for disadvantaged young people and helps build stronger, safer communities for us all. Last year we helped over 1800 young people; but there is still a lot more to do."

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Ian Johnston, said: "I'm pleased that money from my Commissioning Fund is being made available to worthwhile causes in the community that help to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. In addition to the money that I've already made available to organisations, the Your Voice, Your Choice gives another opportunity for people to bid for funding. What is so unique about this event is that it's the organisations themselves that decide who should receive the money.

"Priority will be given to applicants who can best demonstrate the needs being addressed at a local level and how the project contributes to enhancing community safety. As part of this, applicants will be expected to accompany their application with a letter of endorsement from their local police Community Safety Officer.

If you would like to discuss your project application, please contact Tom Morris at the Community Foundation in Wales on 02920 379 580 or via e-mail at tom@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

Grants will be awarded at a participatory grant-making event on Saturday March 21st 2015.