High Sheriff and Merseyside Police Charitable Fund

The High Sheriff and Merseyside Police Charitable Fund works with voluntary bodies and community groups in Merseyside to support community safety, crime prevention and security initiatives in their locality. The fund aims to promote a safer and increased quality of life through the prevention of crime and the protection of people and property from harm or fear of harm, and criminal acts for the benefit of the public in and around Merseyside. The fund supports three main objectives: Crime Prevention, which focuses on preventing crime and protecting people and property; Diversionary Activities, which increases provision of activities and facilities that engage children and young people to reduce their vulnerability to crime and anti-social behaviour; and Community Safety, which supports and raises awareness to help communities be and feel safe. The fund will consider core costs to enable groups to continue activities that meet the fund's focus, as well as projects addressing crime-related issues including enhancing youth community cohesion, domestic abuse, violent crime, public order offences, cybercrime, alcohol and substance misuse, child criminal exploitation, hate crimes, and county lines. This year, the fund particularly welcomes applications which utilise arts and culture as a diversionary activity to reduce youth anti-social behaviour. Grants of up to £2,500 are available to support eligible voluntary and community groups that have been constituted for at least 12 months. Applicants must provide a letter of support for the project, ideally from a Police Community Support Officer or similar referee.