£1m being made available to local projects working to reduce crime

A £1m funding initiative is being launched by Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, to support projects working to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Charities, councils and organisations are being invited to apply for funding from the Commissioner’s Safer Communities Fund (SCF) from September 1st 2026.

This round of funding has a strong focus on reducing abuse, violence and exploitation against women and girls, tackling serious violence, driving down anti-social behaviour, and reducing reoffending.

Donna Jones said: “The safety of people living and working across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is my number one priority which is why I’ve continued to put more police officers on our streets.

“But the services local organisations provide are vital in helping us achieve that.

“Working alongside the police, they offer invaluable support and education to communities.

“That can take many forms – from offering offenders rehabilitation to prevent them returning to a life of crime; giving young people involved in anti-social behaviour meaningful activities to get them off the streets; to offering care and support to survivors.

“By working together, we can continue making a real and lasting difference to people’s lives.”

The SCF provides an opportunity for the Commissioner to allocate funding to organisations delivering projects and services that contribute to the reduction of offending and reoffending, supporting victims, and reducing demand on frontline policing.

47 projects across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight benefited from the SCF last year. They have already reported the positive impacts of their work with young people at risk of exploitation and being drawn into crime.

In many cases contact with police has reduced, participants have found employment, improved their behaviour and communication skills, and are spending more time in school.

These are potentially life-changing interventions.

To apply for funding, please visit: Apply for funding – Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner from September 1st 2026.

Applications close on October 16th 2026.

Successful applicants will receive the funding from April 1st 2027.