Money recovered from Andrew and Tristan Tate will help fund grassroots organisations tackling violence against women and girls across Devon and Cornwall.

Devon Community Foundation (DCF) has announced a partnership with Devon and Cornwall Police and Cornwall Community Foundation to distribute £525,000 in grants over the next three years.

The funding follows a successful civil forfeiture case against the Tate brothers under the Proceeds of Crime Act at the end of 2024.

More than £1 million was returned to Devon and Cornwall Police following the case, with the majority of the recovered money going to the Treasury.

Following consultation with the Police and Crime Commissioner, the force decided to reinvest part of its allocation into programmes tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG).

The new initiative builds on a pilot programme managed by Devon Community Foundation over the past two years, alongside the Sedel-Collings Foundation, Royal British Legion and Plymouth City Council.

That scheme distributed more than £109,000 to small community organisations through grants worth approximately £5,000 each.

The expanded programme will provide funding to grassroots groups across Devon and North Cornwall, supporting projects that improve safety, help survivors of abuse and challenge harmful attitudes among young people.

Organisations delivering trauma-informed support to women, girls and families will also be eligible.

Mary Hancock, chief executive of Devon Community Foundation, 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".

Chief Constable James Vaughan welcomed the partnership, saying: “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."

Tamas Haydu, chief executive of Cornwall Community Foundation, said tackling violence against women and girls required sustained commitment from organisations and communities.

He said: “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.”

The foundations hope the grants will help smaller organisations reach vulnerable people who might otherwise struggle to access specialist services.

Details of how community groups can apply for funding will be published on the Devon Community Foundation and Cornwall Community Foundation websites.

Businesses and individuals wishing to contribute to the Violence Against Women and Girls Fund are also being encouraged to contact their local community foundation.

To find out more visit https://devoncf.com/