New Round of Funding Launched to Support Victims of Crime in Scotland
Victim support organisations have until 14 January 2022 to apply for funding to enhance services and provide practical support to victims of crime and their relatives.
The Scottish Government has launched a new round of funding for the Victim Support Fund. This fund aims to use money provided by persons who have committed an offence to support victim support organisations (VSOs) in providing services to victims of crime and their relatives.
There are typically two funding rounds per year, subject to the availability of funding. A total of £165,000 has been made available in this round of funding.
Grants starting at £5,000 are available for VSOs working in Scotland. There is no maximum value that can be applied for.
Funding is intended for the following:
- Costs that would not have been incurred if the person was not a victim of crime.
- Costs that cannot be reasonably met by another source.
- Payments to contractors for goods and services provided.
Costs can include, but are not limited to:
- Short-term accommodation and temporary housing.
- Contribution to funeral costs not covered by other sources such as funeral support payments.
- Travel costs to a funeral, hospital, or court.
- Childcare costs.
- Getting locks fixed or new locks fitted.
- Fixing damaged doors and broken windows.
- Essential new furniture such as beds or sofas.
- Psychological support and counselling.
- Help with medical and dental costs that have arisen because of being a victim of crime.
- Special services for disabled or elderly victims.
- Practical, emotional, and social support for children.
Up to 10% of any funding awarded can be used to cover additional administration costs incurred through the application process or administering the fund to victims or their relatives.
The deadline for applications is 14 January 2022.
(This report was the subject of a GRANTfinder Newsflash.)
