The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) is once again working in partnership with Wiltshire Community Foundation to distribute grants to voluntary and community groups which aim to make a positive difference across the county.

Grants of up to £5,000 will be awarded through the Police and Crime Commissioner's Community Action Fund to successful applicants to fund activities which will either reduce violence and serious harm, tackle crimes that matter most to local communities, or improve the experience of victims and deliver justice.

Key outcomes that are being sought by the programme include reducing knife crime and serious violence, reducing the vulnerability of victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, or child abuse, and increasing residents’ feelings of safety in their communities.

The programme has previously funded projects which have provided support to a range of people across the county, such as those experiencing homelessness and social isolation, and those who have been impacted by domestic abuse. The programme has also funded projects which support young people through youth mentoring, steering them away from the negative influences and antisocial behaviour that exist in the county.

Full eligibility criteria for this programme can be found on Wiltshire Community Foundation’s website.

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson, said: “I’m really pleased to be able to re-open my Community Action Fund to give even more groups the opportunity to make their communities safer through the delivery of local projects.

“In the past my office has been able to make a real difference by funding a huge variety of community led initiatives, and we are once again looking to help fund voluntary groups, organisations and charities that tackle major issues like anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol related crimes and supporting young people. It’s a really great way to give back to the community with the money raised from unclaimed property as a result of crime.”

“Since the last application window, I have launched my new #MakingWiltshireSafer Police and Crime Plan 2025-29 which all applications will be directly marked against. Please take the time to consider how your organisation, charity or group will directly contribute towards delivering these priorities.

“My office has also partly funded a new Youth Partnership Development Manager role within Wiltshire Community Foundation. This reaffirms our commitment to improving services for young people in Wiltshire, as well as creating the best opportunities for them to thrive.”

Wiltshire Community Foundation Joint Chief Executive Fiona Oliver said: “Over the years we have worked with the Police and Crime Commissioner to discover and support some amazing projects which are building safer, stronger and more cohesive communities across Wiltshire and Swindon. We are incredibly proud of our long-standing relationship and look forward to funding more fantastic voluntary groups to deliver projects that are improving the lives of local people.”

The recruitment of a Youth Partnership Development Manager, which has been funded by the OPCC and Wiltshire Council will enhance existing work with partners, ensuring youth activities are better connected and more responsive to the needs of young people.

This initiative reflects a shared commitment to improving outcomes for young people and building stronger, safer communities through sustained and collaborative youth work.

To find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Action Fund, and for full details on how to apply, click here.

Published Monday 2 June 2025