Grassroots Innovation Fund phase 2 (closed)

PCC funding now closed for community crime prevention projects

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire is inviting community groups to apply for the second phase of the Grassroots Innovation Fund, which offers one‑off financial support for new crime prevention and community safety projects.

The second phase builds on the success of the first round of the Grassroots Innovation Fund, which supported more than 40 innovative and impactful projects delivered by voluntary and community organisations across Bedfordshire. Applications are welcomed from established organisations as well as groups coming together specifically for a project, provided proposals are new and distinct.

PCC John Tizard said: “Every community has a vested interest in preventing crime. Voluntary social action can play an important role in making neighbourhoods and communities safer.

“The second phase of the Grassroots Innovation Fund offers financial support for community groups to develop or implement crime prevention and community safety activities.

“The first round of the Grassroots Innovation Fund has supported over 40 innovative projects.

“I will urge any community group that has a great idea to prevent crime to apply for funding.

“We are genuinely looking for innovative and even experimental projects. I have every confidence that we will receive many exciting proposals.”

The fund recognises that voluntary and community action plays a vital role in making neighbourhoods safer. It has been designed to be easy to apply for and light touch, helping to remove barriers to funding while supporting community‑led solutions.

If your organisation received funding in the first round, you are welcome to apply again — however, your application must be for a new project and not a continuation of previously funded activity.

You are encouraged to put forward innovative and even experimental ideas, particularly those that focus on prevention, early intervention and stopping harm before it escalates.

Funding is available for projects between £100 and £5,000. This funding is one‑off, and you should consider how your project could be sustained beyond the grant period through other funding sources where appropriate.

Before you apply

• Your project must be new
• Previously funded organisations must apply with a different project
• Funding is one‑off and time‑limited
• The application process is light‑touch and proportionate
• Applications are welcome from established organisations or new groups formed specifically for this project

How to apply

Before applying, you should carefully review the guidance documents to ensure your proposal meets the criteria.

You must submit a completed Expression of Interest Form, explaining how your project supports crime prevention, and community safety.

Deadline: Friday 15 May 2026 12 noon
Submit applications to: [email protected]

Please note that the application window may close early if a high volume of eligible applications is received and may reopen if capacity allows.