The POCA Funding programme provides grants to community organisations across England to help raise awareness of the dangers of loan sharks and illegal money lending.
The funding comes from money seized from convicted loan sharks under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). Projects should engage communities, educate people about the risks of illegal lending, encourage people to report loan sharks and promote the support available through the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT).
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for projects delivered during the 2026/27 funding period. Successful projects should be completed by September 2027.
Requirements:
The fund is open to:
- Local residents.
- Charities.
- Community and voluntary groups.
- Schools.
- Statutory agencies.
Projects must be delivered in England and demonstrate a clear connection to the Stop Loan Sharks message. The fund is intended for projects that add value to the work of the England Illegal Money Lending Team rather than general-purpose community activity.
The application guidance identifies four overarching objectives:
- Innovation.
- Community engagement.
- Impact.
- Legacy.
Funding Priorities:
The fund prioritises projects that raise awareness of the dangers of loan sharks, prevent crime and disorder, encourage reporting of illegal lenders and increase awareness of the work of the England Illegal Money Lending Team. It is particularly suited to creative, community-based approaches that can engage people in ways that are relevant to their local area and leave a lasting impact. Previous funded projects have included murals, music videos, theatre productions, educational resources, sports equipment and creative media projects.
What They Will Fund:
Funding can support worthwhile community projects that:
- Raise awareness of loan sharks and illegal money lending.
- Educate local people about the risks and warning signs.
- Encourage people to report loan sharks.
- Promote the Stop Loan Sharks service.
- Promote the work of the England Illegal Money Lending Team.
- Help prevent crime and disorder.
- Engage communities through creative or innovative activities.
- Reach particular groups who may be vulnerable to illegal lending.
- Create educational or awareness-raising resources.
- Use arts, music, sport, events or other community activities to communicate the message.
Examples of previously funded activity include:
- Community murals.
- Sports equipment for young people.
- Anti-loan-shark radio adverts.
- Theatre productions.
- Music videos.
- Storybooks and educational resources.
- Creative installations.
- Community engagement projects.
What They Won’t Fund:
The fund is not intended for:
- General community projects with no connection to illegal money lending.
- Projects that do not raise awareness of loan sharks or promote the Stop Loan Sharks message.
- Activity outside England.
- Projects with no clear community engagement or public impact.
- General organisational running costs where these are not directly connected to an eligible project.
The detailed 2026/27 funding criteria are contained within the application form, so applicants should check the form before committing to costs or project activity.
How To Apply:
Complete the 2026/27 POCA application form, available from the Stop Loan Sharks website.
Applications opened on 1 September 2026 and close at Friday 16 October 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by 31 October 2026, with funded projects expected to be delivered by September 2027.
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