A GROUNDBREAKING funding project called Innovate to Grow is relaunching today and calling for applications from initiatives across North Wales to help fight crime before it happens.
In the three years since North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin first launched his Innovate to Grow scheme, it has developed into an important means of targeting and investing in projects dealing with the root causes of crime across North Wales – especially ones that offer new ways to prevent wrongdoing. Now, PCC Dunbobbin is proud to announce that the scheme is opening to new round of funding and welcoming even more applications to help combat crime across the region.
The PCC has allocated £100,000 to the scheme to support projects for up to one year throughout the 2025-2026 financial year, with the main focus being on innovation. A maximum of £5,000 will be available for each project; however, should the project be delivered across two or more counties, a maximum of £10,000 will be offered.
Projects should complement the priorities within the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan, which include ensuring a local neighbourhood policing presence; supporting victims, communities and businesses; and working towards a fair and effective criminal justice system. Examples of initiatives that could be eligible for support under the scheme include those covering youth services, early intervention and adverse childhood experiences; drug, alcohol and substance misuse services; and organisations working to combat domestic abuse, sexual violence, and violence against women and girls.
Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales commented: “I am hugely excited to launch another round of Innovate to Grow funding, a scheme which has proved so successful over the last three years.
“This initiative has helped develop and grow some of the most exciting, innovative and rewarding projects tackling crime across the region and they stand as examples of my Police and Crime Plan for North Wales in action.
“I am ambitious for our region and believe that by investing in the community-level projects across North Wales we can nurture new and innovative ways to stop crime before it starts.
“I’d encourage any organisation that thinks they fit the criteria to get in touch and apply, so that they can work with us to realise their aims and deliver the safer and more secure communities we all wish to see.”
Examples of successful projects helped by Innovate to Grow in the past include Porthi Dre in Caernarfon, which has consistently engaged with between 25 and 50 children per session, keeping them off the streets and involved in positive activities with their peers.
Cobra Life Martial Arts School in Flintshire has engaged over 120 young people since the start of its martial arts project, with consistent weekly attendance demonstrating retention, interest, and impact. Referrals from school have increased and local education providers have noted a shift in the behaviour and attitude of students participating in the sessions.
Another example of where Innovate to Grow has had an impact is with local organisation Youth Shedz which has used funding towards much needed structural improvements for sites in Buckley, Mochdre and Llysfaen, where it works with young people to prevent isolation, disengagement and vulnerability.
Scott Jenkinson, Founder, Youth Shedz, commented: “As a small local charity, we really appreciate funding like the Innovate to Grow fund which allows us to fund the projects at grass roots level meaning the funding directly supports the young people that we serve.
“The funding received this year has allowed us to allocate money to three Youth Shedz across North Wales meaning that we are able to improve the Shedz and pay for new resources.
“The kids themselves feel really supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner – and they love the fact that he takes the time to visit them and is genuinely interested in them and in what they are doing.”
To be eligible for funding, applicants must be not-for-profit and must complete a business plan. The plan must align to one of the Commissioner’s policing priorities. All organisations need to ensure they have a Welsh Language, Equal Opportunities and Social Value policy in place and show how they will be integrating these areas into the delivery of the project.
For further information and to apply, visit the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner North Wales’ Innovate to Grow webpage.
