North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin’s Innovate to Grow scheme targets and invests in projects dealing with the root causes of crime across North Wales, especially ones that offer new and innovative ideas of preventing and tackling wrongdoing. The initiative complements the priorities within the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan, as well as his Community Oriented Police Service (COPS) approach to serve all communities across North Wales. 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. Mr Dunbobbin 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.

The Gwent High Sheriffs’ Community Fund aims to provide a safer and better quality of life for the people of Gwent by supporting community-based initiatives and projects for young people that help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. Grants will be awarded at the annual participatory grant-making event, which takes place in March each year. Successful grantees must agree to schedule a compulsory visit from the High Sheriff during financial year 26/27, as a condition of their grant award.

The Funds main objective is to encourage, support and promote non-statutory educational attainment and lifelong learning, including early years.