Merseyside Police and the Crime Commissioner have reopened the Community Cashback Fund and you can apply now

Merseyside Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner have reopened their Community Cashback Fund which sees money seized from criminals reinvested back into our communities.

Grassroots organisations and voluntary groups across Merseyside are invited to apply for a share of £100,000 from the Fund for projects focused on preventing crime, building safer communities, and providing better opportunities for young people.

Local groups can bid for grants of up to £5,000 from the Fund, which uses the money and assets removed from criminals through the Proceeds of Crime Act and redirects it back into our communities to help provide vital resources and fund community projects across Merseyside. It is aimed at strengthening community resilience by supporting local clubs and groups, which in turn helps to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, promote diversionary activities, and support vulnerable members of the community.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said:

 “It is fantastic to use the money taken from criminals and reinvest it back into our communities. It sends a strong message to criminals that we will come for their assets and money.

“I’m really pleased that community organisations, neighbourhood groups and individuals across Merseyside have the opportunity to apply for funding and use it for good to shape local initiatives, improve life chances and benefit residents in the long term, using the cash seized from criminals. We all work hard to make our communities safer, better places to live and work and it pays dividends when the money, seized by the force, can be shared with worthy causes that benefit the communities who are often blighted by crime.

“I would encourage local groups and clubs to apply, and I look forward to hearing about the projects we have been able to support and the positive impact they are having in making our communities a better place to live and work in the months and years to come.”

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:

“I’m excited to announce the relaunch of our Community Cashback Fund, taking cash out of the pockets of criminals and putting it back where it belongs – into grassroots communities across Merseyside.

“Merseyside Police is relentless in its pursuit of criminal gangs and its determination to strip criminals of the money and assets they make from their illegal actions, and there’s no better use for it than channelling it into the areas which need it most.  

“By turning bad money to good, we can prevent crime, helping local groups to make their areas safer and stronger, while giving our young people better opportunities.

“I can’t wait to see the bright ideas our community and voluntary organisations have for reinvesting this money in the best way to solve the issues that matter most to local people.”

The fund is being managed by the Community Foundation for Merseyside. All applications for funding must demonstrate how they will contribute to one of the following key themes:

1. Prevention of crime and anti-social behaviour
2. Diversion away from criminal gangs 
3. Promoting Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

The closing date for entries is 4pm on Friday 14^th July 2023.

For more information on the application process, click here.