Submissions open for High Sheriffs’ Fund (UK)

The High Sheriffs’ Fund, administered by the Lincolnshire Community Foundation, offers grants of up to £5,000 to support community-led projects that promote safety and reduce crime in Lincolnshire. The fund prioritises locally run voluntary and community organisations delivering positive, preventative activities that strengthen social cohesion and wellbeing.

Overview

The High Sheriffs’ Fund is a community safety grant programme designed to support projects that help reduce crime, fear, and social isolation across Lincolnshire. The fund focuses on practical, locally delivered initiatives that encourage positive behaviour, improve wellbeing, and build stronger, safer communities.
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for voluntary and community organisations working directly with local residents to address issues affecting safety, cohesion, and quality of life.

Key Objectives of the Fund

Promoting a Safer Society

The fund supports projects that reduce crime, antisocial behaviour, and fear within communities.

Strengthening Social Cohesion

Initiatives should encourage positive relationships, inclusion, and a sense of belonging among residents.

Supporting Preventative and Positive Activities

Priority is given to projects that divert individuals—particularly young people—from crime through constructive engagement.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Organisations

Applicants must be voluntary or community organisations that are:
• Operating within Lincolnshire (excluding North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire)
• Locally run and managed
• Delivering projects that directly benefit local communities
Branches of regional or national organisations may apply but are less likely to be funded unless they clearly demonstrate strong local engagement and relevance.

Ineligible Organisations

• Organisations based in or primarily serving North or North East Lincolnshire
• Groups delivering statutory services
• Political or religious organisations applying for faith-based or political activity

What Types of Projects Are Funded?

The High Sheriffs’ Fund supports projects that contribute to community safety and crime reduction, including:
• Diversionary activities for young people
• Intergenerational projects that build understanding between age groups
• Activities for older people that reduce loneliness and isolation
• Community initiatives that raise aspirations and encourage positive participation
Projects should clearly demonstrate how they contribute to a safer, more cohesive community.

What Costs Can the Grant Cover?

Funding may be used for essential project costs, including:
• Core running and activity costs
• Equipment and materials
• Travel expenses
• Venue hire
• Communication and outreach
• Volunteer training and support
All costs must be directly related to delivering the proposed project and benefiting the local community.

What the Fund Does Not Support

The fund will not support:
• Political activities
• Religious activities or worship
• Statutory services
• Animal welfare projects
• Contributions to large national appeals
• Building or major capital works

Why This Fund Matters

Community safety is strongest when solutions are locally led. The High Sheriffs’ Fund enables grassroots organisations to address the root causes of crime and isolation by:
• Providing positive alternatives to antisocial behaviour
• Supporting vulnerable and isolated residents
• Strengthening trust and relationships within communities
• Encouraging early intervention and prevention

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Identify a clear community safety need within Lincolnshire.

2. Design a project that reduces crime, fear, or isolation and promotes positive engagement.

3. Prepare a realistic budget of up to £5,000 covering eligible costs.

4. Demonstrate strong local involvement and community benefit.

5. Submit an application to the Lincolnshire Community Foundation following their published guidance.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain the local problem your project addresses.
• Show how local residents are involved or will benefit.
• Focus on prevention, positive engagement, and measurable outcomes.
• Avoid including ineligible costs or activities.
• Keep the project scope realistic and achievable within the grant amount.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the maximum grant available?

The maximum grant available is £5,000 per project.

2. Can individuals apply for funding?

No. Only voluntary and community organisations are eligible to apply.

3. Are projects for young people prioritised?

Yes. Diversionary activities for young people are a key focus, but projects for all age groups are eligible if they promote safety and cohesion.

4. Can branches of national charities apply?

They can apply, but priority is given to locally run organisations unless strong local relevance is demonstrated.

5. Can the fund be used for staff costs?

Yes, if the staff costs are essential to delivering the funded project.

6. Are capital or building works eligible?

No. The fund does not support building or major capital projects.

7. Which areas are excluded from this fund?

Projects in North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire are not eligible.

Conclusion

The High Sheriffs’ Fund provides vital, flexible funding to help local organisations make Lincolnshire a safer place to live. By supporting preventative, community-led projects, the fund strengthens social cohesion, reduces crime and fear, and empowers communities to build positive, lasting change at a local level.