Violence Reduction Fund 2026
Violence Reduction Fund 2026
The 2026 Community Grant Fund is now open to applications for funding to support initiatives and projects aimed at preventing people from becoming involved in violence.
Community groups, social enterprises and non-profit organisations from across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield are invited to apply for up to £20,000 to support delivery of projects over a 12‑month period. Projects must help to prevent violence, reduce harm and support people to live safer, healthier lives.
Funding can be used to establish new activities, build on existing projects or trial new and innovative approaches which respond to local needs and priorities.
The VRU takes a public health approach to tackling the root causes of violence and this funding round is designed to empower local organisations which understand their communities best and are making a real difference on the ground.
For 2026, the VRU will support projects that align with the following priority areas:
- Reducing / Preventing Knife Crime
- Reducing Violence Against Women and Girls, targeted at those under 25.
- Coaching and Mentoring to Reduce Violence
- Diversionary activities away from violent crime
- Reducing / Addressing Racial disproportionality in Serious Youth Violence
To help potential applicants with the application process an online workshop was held on 3 June. If you missed it, you can watch the recoding here:
The slides used in the recording can also be accessed here: Grants Workshop Presentation 2026 (PPT 4MB).
To help support applicants develop their Story of Change an online workshop was held on 10 June. If you missed it, you can watch the recoding here:
The slides used in the recording can also be accessed here:
For more information and to apply please read the information below:
Violence Reduction Fund Application Form 2026 (DOCX 112KB)
Application Form Guidance Notes 2026 (DOCX 108KB)
Grant Agreement VRU Grants – SYMCA 2026-27 (DOCX 106KB)
Grant Guidance Notes 2026 (DOCX 979KB)
Your Voice, Your Experience (PDF 245KB)
VRU Community Grant Round FAQ’s 2026 (PDF 239KB)
Successful fund recipients
Fund recipients
| Recipient | Project | Funding amount |
|---|---|---|
The Family Works |
Trauma support for children and young people | £20,000 |
Young Women’s Housing Project |
Young Women's Housing Project | £19,731 |
Grow |
Grow Gardeners | £4,000 |
ReconnectEd |
Early Intervention Coaching Programme | £20,000 |
Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme (SWCP) |
One Goal | £20,000 |
Olympia Wellbeing Academy |
Olympia Wellbeing Academy | £14,380 |
Sheffield Music School |
TRACKS | £19,962 |
Cricket Arena |
Empowering Youth through Sports and Education | £18,510 |
Our Community Matters |
Community Minded | £20,000 |
Dinnington Community Boxing Group |
Community boxing and fitness champions | £15,000 |
Jade Youth and Community |
Jade Youth and Community | £19,881 |
Club Doncaster Community Sports and Education Foundation |
Club Doncaster Community Sports and Education Foundation | £19,426 |
Doncaster Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Service (DRASACS) |
Supporting the Children and Young People counselling service | £20,000 |
Barnsley Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Service (BSARCS) |
Therapeutic wellbeing support | £20,000 |
The Youth Association |
Street Voice | £15,000 |
Barnsley FC Community Trust |
Barnsley FC Community Trust’s Goals! | £16,753 |