April 01, 2026 - 305 views
Community groups across North Wales are being given a fresh opportunity to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, as a £100,000 funding pot is relaunched to support grassroots ideas.
Andy Dunbobbin has announced the return of the Innovate to Grow fund, aimed at backing projects that can make a real difference in local communities. First introduced in 2022, the scheme has already supported a range of initiatives, and this year it is being made easier to access, with three application windows spread across the year.
The fund is designed to empower local organisations, charities and community groups to develop solutions to issues they see every day—from anti-social behaviour in town centres and neighbourhoods, to youth crime and support for vulnerable people.
Across North Wales, concerns around anti-social behaviour remain a key priority for residents, particularly in busy coastal towns and rural communities where resources can be stretched. Projects that help divert young people away from crime, provide positive activities, or support victims are seen as vital in addressing problems early before they escalate.
Grants of up to £5,000 will be available for projects operating within a single county, while larger initiatives covering multiple areas can apply for up to £10,000. Funding will support schemes for up to a year, giving groups the chance to test new ideas and deliver targeted interventions.
The programme is closely linked to the Police and Crime Plan, which focuses on issues such as neighbourhood policing, tackling anti-social behaviour, improving road safety and protecting vulnerable people. It also aims to address the root causes of offending—something increasingly recognised as key to long-term crime reduction across North Wales.
Andy Dunbobbin said local people are best placed to understand the challenges in their own communities, and that the fund is about giving them the tools to act. By supporting partnership working between community groups and organisations, he said the scheme can help build safer and stronger neighbourhoods.
In recent years, similar projects have included youth diversion schemes, early intervention programmes and initiatives aimed at reducing violence and supporting those at risk. These types of approaches are widely seen as crucial in North Wales, where prevention and community engagement play a major role in policing.
Applications for the first round of funding open on April 1, with further opportunities later in the year and into early 2027. Successful applicants will be notified shortly after each assessment phase.
With communities continuing to play a key role in tackling crime and improving safety, the relaunch of the fund is expected to support new ideas that can have a lasting impact across North Wales.
Further information on how to apply for Innovate to Grow can be found on the OPCC website: www.northwales-pcc.gov.uk/opcc-commissioning-grants-available
