Voluntary and Community Grant Scheme open for applications for community safety funding

Local groups from the voluntary, not-for-profit and charitable sectors are now able to apply for grant funding to support a safer borough.

For the fourth year, the Rochdale Safer Communities Partnership is accepting applications to the Voluntary and Community Grant Scheme, which provides funding to applicants whose work contributes towards the partnership’s priorities. The Police and Crime Commissioner has devolved grant funds of £100,000 to each Greater Manchester Local Authority to deliver activities linked to the Greater Manchester plan for safer, stronger communities – standing together.

Applications need to demonstrate that they will support communities to be;
•    Keeping people safe and supporting victims
•    Reducing harm and offending
•    Strengthening communities and places

Councillor Janet Emsley, joint deputy leader of Rochdale Borough Council and portfolio holder for equalities, safety and reform, said: “Everyone faced challenges during the pandemic and as we came out of it we realised just how important being part of the community is and for us all to feel safe. Rochdale’s voluntary, not-for-profit and charitable groups have helped so many people with the support and activities they provide to help create a safer borough.

“The process has been developed locally for the allocation of the grants to meet Greater Manchester’s police and crime plan priorities and also addresses specific issues and supports local priorities in the borough of Rochdale. We are really pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to our community for the fourth year.”

Previous funding was awarded to local groups that offered support across the borough of Rochdale, such as supporting families and victims of antisocial behaviour and addressing substance use. A further successful applicant provided temporary safe havens, help and support to vulnerable people who felt scared, threatened, lost or confused when out and about.  

Other successful applicants included a youth group who delivered environmental improvement works. Funding was also awarded to a group that held art therapy sessions for under-represented women who experienced mental health issues.

Applications to the latest round of funding will be considered by a panel and decisions will be made on the proposed projects against the criteria set, and must be submitted by a registered charity, or a constituted voluntary, community sector or not-for-profit organisation. Applicants may also be invited to deliver a short presentation to a decision-making panel if required.

Applications are now open and will close at midnight on Sunday 10 July 2022. To apply and for more information visit rochdale.gov.uk/communitygrants. If you have any questions email community.safety@rochdale.gov.uk or call 01706 924821.