Community Cashback Fund Launches

Merseyside Police has today (Thursday 3 February) launched its Community Cashback Fund and is inviting community groups across Merseyside to apply for up to £5,000 funding in order to further develop existing projects or to start new ones.

Merseyside Police’s Community Cashback Fund utilises the money and assets seized from criminals through the Proceeds of Crime Act and reinvests 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.

This year £100,000 is available for community projects with £70k coming from the proceeds of crime with a further £30k of funding provided by the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership to enable more grassroots projects and community groups to be supported.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “It is really satisfying to know that cash seized from criminals, who cause untold harm to our communities, being used for good and reinvested back into our communities across Merseyside.

"The grassroots initiatives within our communities are fantastic and are often run by dedicated volunteers, whose commitment and positive impact is invaluable. I would encourage local groups and clubs to apply, and would urge anyone who may have an initiative underway that would benefit from additional funding to get involved. And I look forward to hearing about the projects we have been able to support and the invaluable difference they are making in their communities in the months and years to come."

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Community Cashback is the type of project we all want to see – cash seized from criminals being used for good and being put back where it belongs, into the grassroots of local communities across Merseyside.

“Our goal is to ensure this money goes where it can make the biggest difference. That’s why we’re asking our community and voluntary groups to come to us with their suggestions for the most worthwhile projects. They are the people who understand their areas best and they know what solutions could have the most positive impact on local lives.

“Ultimately, our goal is to help prevent crime in the first place, making our region a safer place for all. I want as many people as possible to know about this opportunity – it’s a chance to make good things happen in your area.”

Detective Superintendent Siobhan Gainer, head of the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to contribute to this fantastic scheme to support our community groups. The Merseyside Violence Reduction Unit has adopted a public health approach to reduce violence in the Merseyside region and strengthen communities for generations to come. This can’t be done without the grassroots projects that provide help and support for communities blighted by violence and deprivation, the value these groups bring to the communities they serve is immeasurable and must never be understated.”

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. Violence Against Women and Girls
2. Diversion away from criminal gangs
3. Promoting Diversity, Quality and Inclusion
4. Improving mental health and emotional wellbeing in children

The closing date for entries is 20^th March 2022.

For more information on the application process and to apply please visit Community Foundation for Merseyside