Round 3 - Violence and Vulnerability
To help reduce harm and protect those most at risk, we are launching the Violence and Vulnerability Round, designed to support local communities in tackling serious crime and safeguarding vulnerable individuals. This funding opportunity is open to a wide range of applicants, including:
- Registered charities
- Constituted groups
- Parish councils
- Voluntary organisations
- Other formally constituted organisations including schools, youth groups such as scouts and guides.
We recognise the vital role that local communities play in raising awareness and delivering practical solutions to prevent violence and vulnerability. Whether it’s supporting victims, educating young people, or introducing measures to reduce offending, this fund aims to empower communities to take action.
Applicants can apply for funding of up to £10,000 to support projects that aim to reduce violence, protect vulnerable people, and build safer communities. Funding can be used for a variety of initiatives, such as (but not limited to):
- School-Based Violence Prevention Programmes - Initiatives that teach conflict resolution and resilience skills.
- Targeted Outreach for At Risk Youth - Street-based engagement teams to connect vulnerable young people with services.
- Workshops on Healthy Relationships - Sessions in schools or community groups to teach about consent, respect, and identifying coercive control.
- Youth Mentoring & Diversion Programs - Activities that engage young people in positive opportunities (sports, arts, skills training) to steer them away from violence or exploitation.
- Conflict Resolution Workshops -Teaching young people how to manage disputes without violence.
- Youth Leadership Programmes - Initiatives that empower young people to lead community projects and become role models
- Sports-Based Programmes - Football, boxing, or dance clubs that provide structured activities and mentorship for at-risk youth.
- Creative Arts Projects - Music, drama, or art workshops that help young people express themselves and build confidence.
- Skills & Employment Training - Short courses in digital skills, construction, or hospitality to give young people alternatives to crime.
Based on the findings in the VRN's annual Serious Violence Strategic Needs Assessment, this round will prioritise the following forms of violence:
- Public-place violence
- Knife-enabled violence
- Domestic abuse
- Stalking and harassment
- Sexual violence.
The causes of violence are multiple and complex. It is important to understand that there is no single cause of serious violence – it comes from a complex interplay between a wide range of risk factors relating to individuals, their relationships, community and wider society. According to national research and findings from the VRN's Strategic Needs Assessment, common vulnerabilities include:
- Learning and Development Challenges – Difficulties with learning or emotional regulation can make individuals more susceptible to harm.
- Mental Health Concerns – Poor emotional wellbeing can increase risk of exploitation or involvement in violence.
- Early Childhood Development – Delays in social or personal development may affect resilience later in life.
- School Exclusions – Being excluded or suspended can lead to isolation and increase vulnerability.
- Family and Home Environment – Exposure to abuse, neglect, or instability can create conditions for harm.
- Exploitation Risks – Young people may be targeted for sexual or criminal exploitation, often linked to age and gender patterns.
- Substance Misuse – Drug or alcohol dependency can heighten vulnerability and involvement in harmful situations.
- Economic and Social Pressures – Poverty and unemployment can create conditions for violence and exploitation.
- Education and Employment Gaps – Young people not in education, training, or work are at higher risk.
- Community Safety Factors – Local crime patterns and lack of support networks can contribute to vulnerability.
You can see more examples of risk and protective factors in the diagram below. It shows how influences at the individual, relationship, and community levels can increase vulnerability or build resilience:
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The Violence and Vulnerability Grant Round will open on Monday 1st December 2025 and close on Thursday 19th February 2026 at 16:59*. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered. The original close date was advertised as Tuesday 31st March 2026 at 16:59, however due to exceptional demand for funding this has since been brought forward.
We encourage all eligible organisations to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to make a real difference in their communities. Together, we can reduce violence and protect those most at risk.
*Please note: While we aim to keep the round open for the full duration, we reserve the right to close the round earlier than the published end date if necessary.
Who Can Apply:
We want to hear from people who understand their communities and have great ideas for making a positive impact. Charities, schools, community groups, parish councils, constituted groups and voluntary organisations can apply, please see below our eligibility criteria:
- Multiple Applications: You may submit more than one application. Each will be assessed independently, and if more than one meets the quality threshold, we may consider funding multiple proposals. However, funding more than one application is not guaranteed and will depend on the overall strength of submissions and available resources.
- Organisation Size: Your organisation must have fewer than 30 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff. Volunteers and schools are not counted in this total.
- Funding Limit: Applications requesting more than £10,000 will not be considered.
- Project Relevance: Your project must clearly support at least one of the Police and Crime Plan priorities. Applications that do not align with these priorities will not be eligible.
- Current Funding: If your project is already receiving funding, you cannot apply for additional funding if the new funding period overlaps with your current one.