Bedfordshire community groups offered up to £5,000 for anti-racism projects
Community groups can apply for up to £5,000 to fund projects aimed at tackling racism, strengthening community ties and building resilience.
The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Bedfordshire has opened the third phase of the Grassroots Innovation Fund, offering one-off grants of between £100 and £5,000.
The fund is open to voluntary, grassroots and community organisations, as well as groups formed specifically to deliver a new project.
Projects must support community cohesion and anti-racism and be new and distinct from any activity previously funded through the scheme.
More than 60 projects have been supported through the first two phases of the fund.
PCC John Tizard said: “Tackling racism and promoting anti-racism and community cohesion are critical objectives across Bedfordshire.
“Strong, cohesive and resilient communities are essential to building a safer and more inclusive society.
“Community groups and voluntary organisations demonstrate every day the value of collective action, civic responsibility and neighbourliness. I wish to support them to make a difference.
“Hate crime, racism especially antisemitism and islamophobia are on the increase. This is the time to stand up against racism and hatred.
“I very much hope that through the Grassroots Innovation Fund we will be supporting some amazing projects to make our communities more inclusive, resilient and safer.
“I would urge any group with a passion for bringing people together and strengthening their local community by promoting anti-racism and championing community cohesion to submit bids. I am looking for innovative and creative proposals.”
The funding is designed to be a “light-touch” process, with applications welcomed from both established organisations and new groups.
Organisations that received funding in previous phases can apply again, but must put forward a different project rather than continuing previously funded work.
Applications close at 12pm on Monday, October 12, 2026 where groups must complete an Expression of Interest form explaining how their project will support community cohesion and anti-racism.