Information from England Illegal Money Lending Team
Stop loan sharks - new funding opportunity
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 £5,000.
Who Can Apply?
Bids are welcomed 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:
- Contributes to raising awareness of the dangers of using loan sharks
- Prevents crime and disorder and publicises the Stop Loan Sharks message
- Promotes the work of the Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) in communities
- Encourages reporting of loan sharks
A free one-hour training session on “how to spot a loan shark”, can be delivered either via Microsoft Teams or in person. If you are interested email nadeem.mahammed@birmingham.gov.uk.
Funding Amount
Up to £5000
Application Deadline
Friday 26th October