Community groups across Merseyside are invited to apply for a share of £100,000, taken from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), to deliver projects that bring people together and help prevent crime.
Grassroots organisations, charities and voluntary groups can bid for grants of up to £5,000 to fund projects which promote diversity, equality and inclusion and are designed to foster greater understanding between different communities.
Around 20 grants will be available for projects which have a focus on improving community cohesion, raising awareness of the impact of hate crime and challenging harmful attitudes towards other people.
About the Community Cashback Fund:
Applications for funding must demonstrate how they will contribute to key themes that support policing activity and the force priorities.
Funding for 2026 will be awarded targeted to the theme of Community Cohesion, promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
Projects should contribute to the prevention of crime.
Some examples of the types of work that can be funded include:
• Community integration and cohesion delivery focused on fostering understanding between different communities, particularly between communities of a different ethnic background, or different faith (or no faith), or between communities and migrants.
• Programmes for adults or young people which seek to challenge and change potential negative/harmful attitudes and behaviours towards other people of a different ethnic background, or sexuality/identity, or who are living with a disability.
• Intervention for men/young men to change potential negative/harmful attitudes and behaviours towards girls/women.
• Activities that seek to prevent and raise awareness about the impact of hate crime.
• Social action projects that seek to raise awareness and address issues affecting historically marginalised people and their rights.
• LGBTQ+ inclusion and pride delivery to help people to feel safe in their communities.
• Raising awareness to prevent exploitation or ‘mate crime’ committed against people with learning differences or people living with disability.
• Advice and information that allows people at risk of discrimination to know their rights.
How to apply?
The fund is being managed by the Community Foundation for Merseyside with applications set to close at 4pm on Friday 13th February.
Please visit the Community Foundation for Merseyside’s website and complete an online application form (available on the fund page for this grant programme).
Once you have submitted the online application, you will need to send the documents requested. You can attach the documents to your online application, or email them to applications@cflm.org.uk.