Through the Community Grants Fund, the Commissioner is particularly keen to support projects, campaigns, events and activities taking place during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, which starts on the 25^th November, coinciding with White Ribbon Day, running until the 10^th December.

The Commissioner will prioritise applications that focus on prevention, early intervention, awareness raising, victim support, community engagement and tackling the underlying causes of violence against women and girls.

To ensure successful projects can be promoted and delivered in time for the campaign period, activities should demonstrate how they will contribute to one or more of the following outcomes:

1. Prevent violence against women and girls through education, awareness and early intervention

Examples of eligible projects may include:

• Community awareness campaigns and events.
• Activities that challenge harmful attitudes, stereotypes and myths relating to violence against women and girls.
• Digital and online safety awareness initiatives.
• Projects that raise awareness of coercive and controlling behaviour, including economic abuse and post-separation abuse.
• Creative, cultural or public engagement projects that promote prevention messages.

2. Strengthen community action to tackle violence against women and girls

Examples of eligible projects may include:

• Initiatives that encourage men and boys to act as allies in preventing violence against women and girls.
• Bystander awareness and intervention training.
• Partnership projects delivered across multiple organisations or sectors.
• Volunteer, ambassador or champion programmes that support local prevention efforts.

3. Increase engagement with communities most at risk of harm or least likely to access support

Examples of eligible projects may include:

• Targeted outreach and engagement with underserved communities.
• Projects designed to improve access to information and support for minority ethnic communities.
• Activities supporting LGBTQ+ communities.
• Initiatives engaging rural, isolated or geographically underserved communities.
• Projects supporting older people or other groups who may face additional barriers to accessing support.
• Development of culturally appropriate, accessible or translated resources.
• Community-led approaches that build trust and improve participation amongst underrepresented groups.

These examples are intended as a guide only and are not exhaustive. We welcome innovative proposals that demonstrate how they will contribute to one or more of the funding objectives.

Please note: The Commissioner is seeking to support initiatives that focus on prevention, awareness, engagement and support. As such, applications for self-defence or personal safety classes will not be considered for funding through this grant programme. The Commissioner wishes to ensure funding is directed towards activities that address the root causes of violence against women and girls, challenge harmful behaviours and attitudes, and improve support for victims and survivors.

For projects that provide direct support to victims and survivors of VAWG crimes, organisations must be able to demonstrate that they hold the appropriate skills, qualifications, experience, and safeguarding arrangements to deliver this work safely and effectively. Where this expertise is not held in house, applicants should work in partnership with a specialist VAWG organisation that can provide the necessary support, oversight and professional expertise to ensure safe and appropriate service delivery.  Please take note of the specific grant guidance and criteria published on our website.

Application Timeline

Applications are open under The Commissioners rolling 2026/27 Community Grants Opportunity, however to ensure projects are approved and grants issued in time for the 16 Days of Activism;

• Applications must be submitted by 31^st October
• Project will receive approval no later than 17^th November
• Early submission is encouraged

If your organisation has an idea that can make a difference during this important international campaign, we encourage you to apply and be part of the solution towards ending violence against women and girls across Lancashire.

For more information and to apply, visit the Community Fund page by clicking here.