Community groups, voluntary organisations and individuals across the region can now apply for grants through the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Community Fund, which has reopened for applications of up to £30,000.
The Community Fund supports projects focused on early intervention, prevention and community safety. To date it has awarded more than £3 million to hundreds of local initiatives across York and North Yorkshire.
Eligible projects include diversionary activities for children and young people, work to reduce the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour, support for victims, community cohesion initiatives, and crime prevention schemes.
Among the projects supported by the fund is a mobile youth club in Haxby and New Earswick, who successfully applied for £23,000 to support diversionary activities for young people.
Earlier this month, Deputy Mayor Jo Coles visited the project to find out more about how investment in early intervention can improve the prospects of young people in deprived areas.
Other projects supported by the Community Fund this year include:
- York City Knights Foundation: £9,937 in funding to support after-school sessions for primary school-aged children, engaging them in physical activity in guided play sessions.
- Mokkha CIC: £14,000 in funding for a 12-month wellbeing and skills programme for adults overcoming addiction, homelessness and poor mental health.
- Transforming Clifton: £15,000 invested in targeted intervention for young people at risk of exploitation and wider community engagement.
Jo Coles, York and North Yorkshire Deputy Mayor of Policing, Fire and Crime said:
The Mayor David Skaith and I are incredibly proud of the impact the Community Fund has had on our communities over the past two years.
We know that support for community projects, led by local people prevents crime and supporting victims to feel safer in the places where they live and work .
From sport and youth provision to mental health support, projects that address anti-social behaviour or make our region feel safer will all be considered.
Anyone who has a project that needs support can visit the website to find out more about how to apply.
Inspire Youth Yorkshire, an award-winning charity, successfully applied for funding to support mobile youth clubs in Haxby and New Earswick.
The project runs weekly youth sessions for 10–16 year olds using a mobile base, with sports, arts, and fun activities that help young people feel safe, build confidence, and connect with trusted adults.
It offers a safe place to spend time, free refreshments, and support, while reaching more young people in local communities and helping those who need extra guidance or are not fully in education.
Jess Ward, Inspire Youth Yorkshire said:
The Community Fund has allowed us to engage with more young people within York, providing them a safe space to receive support from trusted adults who are there to listen.
Having a consistent presence within communities at need is crucial, and support from the Combined Authority has ensured we can continue to deliver this early intervention work and improve the prospects of our young people.
Any organisations interested in applying for the current round of the York and North Yorkshire Community Fund, need to visit: Apply for the Community Fund - York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority – Policing, Fire and Crime Team
