Grassroots Innovation Fund phase 3 OPEN

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire, as part of his commitment to community cohesion and anti-racism has launched the third phase of the Grassroots Innovation Fund.

This fund offers one-off financial support up to £5,000 for community groups to introduce innovative projects to build resilience, strengthen community cohesion and promote anti-racism across local neighbourhoods and communities.

The third phase builds on the success of the first two rounds of the Grassroots Innovation Fund, which have supported more than 60 innovative and impactful projects delivered by voluntary, grassroots 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.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard said:

“Tackling racism and promoting anti-racism and community cohesion are critical objectives across Bedfordshire.

“Strong, cohesive and resilient communities are essential to building a safer and more inclusive society.

"Community groups and voluntary organisations demonstrate every day the value of collective action, civic responsibility and neighbourliness. I wish to support them to make a difference.

“Hate crime, racism especially antisemitism and islamophobia are on the increase. This is the time to stand up against racism and hatred. I very much hope that through the Grassroots Innovation Fund we will be supporting some amazing projects to make our communities more inclusive, resilient and safer.

“I would urge any group with a passion for bringing people together and strengthening their local community by promoting anti-racism and championing community cohesion to submit bids. I am looking for innovative and creative proposals.”

The tranche of funding is there to recognise that community cohesion, anti-racism and resilience are strengthened when local people are empowered to work together to address the issues that matter most to them. It has been designed to be easy to apply for and light touch, helping to remove barriers to funding while supporting locally led solutions.

John further commented “This latest phase of the Grassroots Innovation Fund complements. T the Community Cohesion and Resilience Fund recently launched by Luton Council. My team and Luton Council are working closely together on these initiatives, which demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting grassroots organisations that promote community cohesion, challenge racism and build resilience within our communities.”

Applications are open to voluntary, grassroots and community organisations, as well as specialist groups and organisations, with the ambition of improving collaboration, cohesion and resilience in their local area.

Funding is available for projects between £100 and £5,000. This funding is provided as a one-off grant, and applicants should consider how their project might be sustained beyond the grant period where appropriate.

Organisations that have previously received Grassroots Innovation Fund funding are welcome to apply again; however, applications must be for a new project and not a continuation of previously funded activity.

Applications close at midday on Monday 12 October 2026.

For further information and to apply, visit our website.

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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 community cohesion and anti-racism.

Deadline: Monday 12 October 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.