POCA Grants
From time to time the England Illegal Money Lending Team offers grants to community organisations wanting to raise awareness about the dangers of loan sharks in their communities.
This funding pot comes from money seized from convicted loan sharks under Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) legislation.
Applications for 2026/27 funding are now open. Organisations can apply for amounts up to Β£5,000. Click below to download the application form, more information and FAQs:
β‘οΈ 2026-27 POCA Form
Who Can Apply?
We welcome funding bids from local residents, charities, community and voluntary groups, schools and statutory agencies.
What Can The Money Be Spent On?
Funds can be spent on any worthwhile community project that meets the following criteria:
β‘οΈ Contributes to raising awareness of the dangers of using loan sharks
β‘οΈ Prevents crime and disorder and publicises the Stop Loan Sharks message
β‘οΈ Promotes the work of the Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) in communities
β‘οΈ Encourages reporting of loan sharks
Full Funding Criteria Can Be Found On The Application Form.
The Fund Has 4 Main Objectives:
β Innovative β Community Engagement β Impact β Legacy
Looking for some inspiration for your next project?
Here are just a few of the amazing projects that have benefited from POCA funding in recent years . . .
Mural in Wisbech to raise awareness of loan sharks
Young people get new sports equipment in Sunderland
Students create anti-loan shark radio ads in Creation Station project with Bauer Media
‘Rogues’ gallery’ showing the many faces of loan sharks created
Play is staged to highlight the dangers of loan sharks
Grime music video tells story of how loan sharks target young people
Mural in Jaywick raises awareness of loan sharks
Storybook warns children about loan sharks
Bike project helps break vicious cycle of loan sharks
Stunning pixel art installation warns of dangers of loan sharks
Apply for Proceeds of Crime funding for your project!
Stop Loan Sharks will collaborate with any agency in England where our work will add value. For teams in Scotland or Wales, your national agency is available to help you bring illegal money lenders to justice.
