Cornwall Community Foundation (CCF) and Devon Community Foundation (DCF) are proud to announce a new partnership with Devon & Cornwall Police to deliver £525,000 in small grants to reduce violence against women and girls (VAWG) over the next three years.
The new funds are a result of a civil forfeiture order from Andrew and Tristan Tate, which the force was successful in pursuing at the end of 2024 through the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). The majority of the money from the successful civil case has been returned to the Treasury, but a landmark ruling saw more than £1m given back to Devon & Cornwall Police, which, in consultation with the Police and Crime Commissioner, has chosen to use it to support action against VAWG.
Chief Constable James Vaughan, QPM said:
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Cornwall Community Foundation and Devon Community Foundation to ensure this funding reaches the grassroots organisations making a real difference in our communities.”
This programme expands on a pilot that Devon Community Foundation has managed over the last 2 years in conjunction with the Sedel-Collings Foundation, the Royal British Legion, and Plymouth City Council. It enables community-based organisations to deliver trauma-informed interventions for women, girls, and families. Just over £109,000 was delivered into small, grassroots groups by way of grants valued at around £5,000 each.
The expansion of the programme means that small grants will be available across Devon and North Cornwall for grassroots groups promoting cultural change around VAWG, increasing safety for women and girls, supporting adult and child survivors, and preventing harmful attitudes among young people.
CEO of Devon Community Foundation, Mary Hancock, said:
“Local charities and community groups are often best placed to understand the challenges facing women and girls and to provide the support they need. Through this programme, we can help these organisations deliver vital interventions, reach those who might otherwise fall through the gaps and build safer, stronger communities. It is particularly powerful that money recovered through the proceeds of crime can now be reinvested in work that helps prevent violence and makes a positive difference to the lives of women and girls across Devon and Cornwall”.
CEO of Cornwall Community Foundation, Tamas Haydu, said:
“Violence against women and girls is an issue that affects lives and communities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and tackling it requires long-term commitment and collective action.
We are incredibly proud to be working alongside Devon & Cornwall Police and Devon Community Foundation. We know first-hand the incredible work being done by grassroots organisations across our communities to prevent violence, and support women and girls affected by it. These organisations are often a lifeline for those who need them most. We’re delighted that this new funding will allow us to extend that support even further.”
For more information about applying, visit Cornwall Community Foundation or our Grants page.
