Police and Crime Commissioner invites local charities and community groups to a funding opportunity event

Today, the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner has officially released invites to the launch event for a new £200,000 Grassroots Innovation Fund. The fund will support new innovative projects, designed to make Bedfordshire safer and fairer. This fund is in addition to commissioned grants and projects which are already in place. 

The PCC is inviting community groups and small charities to submit proposals to spend up to £5,000 on new projects.  

The initiative is part of the PCC’s wider funding, grants and commissioning strategy, and for the first time, it is providing opportunities for community groups and charities to come forward with their ideas, rather than responding to very prescriptive criteria for grants.   

He hopes that there will be proposals from many groups which have not previously had a relationship with his office.   

John Tizard, the PCC said: “This is a great opportunity to turn our traditional commissioning and grants programme upside down. Rather than telling charities and community groups what we want them to do, I am inviting you to tell me what you can do to make Bedfordshire safer and fairer. 

“This initiative whilst ensuring probity will be very light touch, without the usual bureaucratic and burdensome processes, usually associated with public sector grants and commissioning. 

“I am really excited at the prospect of receiving a wide range of innovative ideas from across the county once the fund is launched.”    

To support the launch, the Commissioning Team are hosting a hybrid event on Tuesday 17 September at Bedfordshire Police HQ, inviting charities and organisations to attend either in person or online. The event will outline the ambition of the fund and provide guidance on the application process, with a particular focus on engaging new applicants. 

You can sign up for the event in person or online.