Faith Community Safety microgrant scheme
We have introduced a new Faith Community Safety microgrant scheme to support increased security among faith communities.
Aim of the scheme
Wandsworth is a diverse borough that celebrates all faiths, cultures and communities, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe, supported and protected in their places of faith and worship.
This targeted support aims to reduce vulnerability to hate-motivated and terrorism-related threats and to promote confidence among faith communities across the borough.
Grants
The scheme provides small, rapidly accessible grants of up to £1,000.
These grants are to help places of worship and other faith institutions make security improvements to their premises, particularly where it would be challenging to implement these measures independently.
Eligibility
The scheme is open to any faith group or place of worship based in Wandsworth requiring support to make security improvements.
To ensure fair access to the scheme, each group can apply for only one grant, and awards are limited to one per group.
Enhancements to security may include:
- CCTV installation or enhancement
- Upgrading or installing alarm systems
- Posters to raise awareness of security systems
- Enhancing lighting around entrances and pathways
- Introducing access control measures such as door entry systems or intercoms
Other reasonable security improvements needed to protect the premises may also be considered.
Requirements
You must ensure that you have the relevant permissions to install any measures before applying.
You will need to:
- Commit to complete your project within three months of receiving the funding.
- Agree that we can use photos or videos of your project (e.g. camera close-up, gate etc). We will not publish your name, location, or pictures of people without consent. Any images will be used sensitively and not identify the location or compromise the security of the premises.
- Complete a short monitoring form once the grant has been spent. This helps us understand the impact of the scheme and share examples of successful projects to inspire other faith communities. A member of the team will be available to support you with this if needed
How to apply
You can apply via our application form, which will ask you about your project.
You need to provide a snippet of a bank statement showing name and account details, but not showing any transactional data or balances - these must be removed or redacted.
Email us at safetymicrogrants@wandsworth.gov.uk if you need support filling out the form, or would prefer to submit a spoken video application.
After you apply
As this is a rolling fund, assessments and decisions will be taken on an ongoing basis.
Contact and support
If you have any questions or would like an informal conversation about eligibility criteria, email safetymicrogrant@wandsworth.gov.uk.
You may also be eligible for national schemes. More information on national government support schemes for faith institutions can be found on GOV.UK.