POLICE and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for North Wales, Andy Dunbobbin, has announced the relaunch of his ‘Innovate to Grow’ fund – an ambitious £100,000 scheme designed to support new, community‑driven initiatives that help prevent and reduce crime across the region. The fund was originally created in 2022 and, this year, the fund is making it simpler than ever to apply, with three submission dates throughout the year.
The fund is inviting organisations to put forward fresh, innovative ideas that align with the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan and his Community Oriented Police Service (COPS) approach. The aim is to empower communities, charities, and grassroots groups to make a meaningful difference in their local areas.
For 2026 to 2027, grants of up to £5,000 will be available for single‑county projects, while initiatives operating across two or more counties may apply for up to £10,000. Funding is available for up to one year.
PCC Andy Dunbobbin commented: “Following four very successful years, I am delighted to relaunch the Innovate to Grow fund. We’re changing the process to make it simpler than ever to submit, with three application phases across the year.
“Our communities know better than anyone what the challenges are in their local area – and they also have the creativity and commitment to help solve them.
“Innovate to Grow funding is designed to back those ideas, support partnership working, and help build safer, stronger neighbourhoods across North Wales.”
Examples of suitable initiatives include:
- Youth diversion schemes
- Projects tackling anti‑social behaviour
- Early intervention and prevention programmes
- Initiatives supporting victims and vulnerable people
- Activities addressing violence against women and girls
Eligible projects must demonstrate clear alignment with at least one priority from the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan. The PCC’s Police and Crime Plan priorities include:
A local neighbourhood policing presence:
- Enhancing road safety
- Tackling anti‑social behaviour
Supporting victims and communities:
- Tackling and preventing domestic abuse and sexual violence
- Safeguarding vulnerable people, including children
- Tackling and preventing cybercrime
- Tackling and preventing hate crime
A fair and effective criminal justice system:
- Supporting and protecting children and young people and diverting them away from the Criminal Justice System
- Addressing the root causes of offending and supporting rehabilitation
Applications from for‑profit organisations, individuals, prisons, NHS bodies, or initiatives requiring capital purchases (e.g., buildings, vehicles, CCTV, lighting) will not be eligible.
Applications will be invited during three phases:
Phase One:
- Open: April 1 – May 7, 2026
- Evaluation: May 25–29, 2026
- Notification: By June 2, 2026
Phase Two:
- Open: September 1 – October 8, 2026
- Evaluation: October 26–30, 2026
- Notification: By November 2, 2026
Phase Three:
- Open: January 4 – February 10, 2027
- Evaluation: March 1–5, 2027
- Notification: By March 10, 2027
Applicants will be informed of the outcome within seven working days of the panel meeting. Decision Notices and rationales will be published on the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) website.
Further information on how to apply for Innovate to Grow can be found on the OPCC website.
