It is recognised that existing or potential new starter Neighbourhood Watch Groups may require access to funding for room hire, stationery and various activities in order to boost their efforts in the prevention of crime in their locality. As declared at the last AGM, the Cambs NHW Executive Group (CNHWEG) has funding available to support local NHW projects up to a maximum of £200 per request. Essentially, the Executive Group wishes to offer access to funds for local NHW groups to enable deserving cases to undertake projects in their area that will help them achieve their objectives.
The CNHWEG wholly supports these initiatives, but in order to preserve funds, wherever possible we encourage all groups initially to examine the possibility of raising funds locally since this tends to bind a community together and promotes interest from within the community. There are of course numerous conventional fund-raising opportunities such as street market stalls, auctions, and prize draws etc.
Other funding sources that could be considered are :-
- Parish and town councils have powers to spend money on various anti-crime measures. This power comes from the Local Government and Rating Act 1997 Section 31 Crime Prevention. This authorises Councils to spend money on items such as NHW grants and either directly, or in support of another group, for the installation and maintenance of any equipment for the detection or prevention of crime. These councils do not have a direct responsibility for crime prevention but they do have a clear role for supporting any group working on measures for crime prevention.
- Parish councils in Cambridgeshire have used these powers in the past for NHW Scheme grants and for specific NHW projects such as replacing barriers in passageways to prevent climbing; CCTV funding ; security lighting etc.
- Local charities also often have in their terms of reference the ability to fund special projects that are targeted on assisting elderly, frail or vulnerable persons. However, this will not normally cover routine running expenses.
- Local businesses may be willing to fund NHW signage and may well carry out free printing of publicity for NHW group projects or perhaps at a subsidised price.
- Local churches and parish councils may be able to offer a meeting-room at no cost or for a reduced fee in the light of the community oriented objectives and purpose of the meeting.
In the event that these avenues for access to funding have been exhausted, the CNHWEG will be willing to assist. Applicants should forward their submissions using the Application Form (see below) to the Honorary Treasurer of CNHWEG, stating their objective, including a breakdown of the costs and advising what avenues of funding they have attempted to access without success.
Submissions will be considered collectively by an Applications Scrutiny sub-committee of the Trustees of the Cambridgeshire NHW. This group will convene at least quarterly and will scrutinise and adjudicate applications in accordance with the CNHWEG approved procedure (see below to view).
