High Sheriff of Gloucestershire Grant Programme

What is the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire’s Grants Programme? The High Sheriff of Gloucestershire’s Grants Programme aims to encourage groups, especially of young people, to be involved in challenging activities, which can help to divert and deter them from anti-social behaviour and crime. The programme offers young people a great chance to show how constructive they can be in their communities and what they can do to help themselves and others in their neighbourhood. Grants will support activities organised for and by young people that aim to combat anti-social and criminal behaviour, promote healthy living, stimulate personal development and encourage inclusion. Grants will be considered at three annual grants panel meetings to be held in February, June, and October. Small grants of up to £500 may be fast-tracked and considered within two weeks of receipt.

What you can apply for This grants programme aims to support activities for young people that will: • Divert young people away from crime and/or anti-social behaviour • Help to raise the confidence and self-esteem of young people, particularly those at risk of becoming involved with criminal activities • Provide informal learning and development opportunities • Improve the health and wellbeing of young people Applications must demonstrate how their proposed project will deliver one or more of the above.

Priority is given to groups that: • Deliver activities to young people at risk of becoming involved with crime or anti-social behaviour • Deliver a project/activity that reflects the concerns and priorities of the target beneficiaries and fits well with existing community activities/services • Demonstrate they are well connected within the local community and their project involves working in partnership with local organisations and groups • Have secured some level of match funding from their own fundraising activities (excluding any grants from other community foundation programmes)

Size of Grants: Grants are available for up to £2,500. Small grants of up to £500 may be fast-tracked and considered within two weeks of receipt. Application deadlines: There are three rounds of panel decisions during the year.

Who can apply? This programme is for voluntary and community groups with charitable aims, registered charities or Community Interest Companies. Applicants must be based and working in Gloucestershire or South Gloucestershire.

What we do not fund • Individuals – although in exceptional circumstances they may be considered • Organisations with less than three unrelated Trustees or Directors • General appeals. • Statutory organisations or the direct replacement of statutory funding. • Political groups or activities promoting political beliefs. • Religious groups promoting religious beliefs. • Arts projects with no community or charitable element. • Sports projects with no community or charitable element. • Projects that take place before an application can be processed. • Activities that are intended to raise funds for other organisations. As a general rule this grants programme will not fund groups that already have an established social responsibility. This includes local authorities and town councils, housing associations and schools. Also, please note that vehicles, conferences, exhibitions and other one-off events are usually given a low priority.