The England Illegal Money Lending Team has funding available for groups that want to raise awareness around the issue of illegal money lending. The money available has come from the proceeds of crime awards taken from convicted illegal money lenders.
Illegal money lenders, more commonly known as loan sharks, lend money without having the correct permissions from the Financial Conduct Authority. They often give cash loans out without any paper work and charge extortionate interest rates.
When you struggle to keep up with repayments they may use violence, threats and intimidation, to ensure you keep paying them. The aim of this funding is to give groups the opportunity to raise awareness of the issue – in their community in a different way.
Below are some links you might find useful:
Free lesson plans www.birmingham.gov.uk/stoploansharks
View our films on: http://www.youtube.com/user/StopLoanSharks
Tweet us @loansharknews Facebook – www.facebook.com/stoploansharksproject
Funding that can make a real difference!
This year we want to actively encourage projects and initiatives that are different from the rest and will leave a legacy in the communities they are delivered in. To make sure you’ve got what it takes, have a look at our 4 main aims below:
Community Engagement
What makes this project different? Has this been done before?
Innovative
Who will this project reach? How many people will be involved?
Impact
How will it effect and influence people reached? How will it change their actions and understanding?
Legacy
What will it leave behind? How is it sustainable?
If you’ve got what it takes and your project meets all of the objectives, then please complete this form stop-loan-sharks-community-fund-application-form-a-2016 and return it electronically to: [email protected] or post hard copy to Catherine Wohlers, IMLT, PO Box 12971, B33 0TD. Please note the closing date for applications is 30th September 2016.
Who can apply? Local residents, charities, community and voluntary groups, schools and statutory agencies.
How much can you apply for? Up to £5000
What you can spend the money on?
Funds can be spent on any worthwhile community project that meets the following criteria:
- Contributes to raising the 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
What you can’t spend the money on?
The Stop Loan Sharks message must be at the core of the project. As such funds cannot be spent on:
- Repeating an existing project
- Staff salary, day to day running costs of your organisation or vehicle costs
- Producing freebies, publicity merchandise and or distribution costs.
- Staff training – we can deliver this for free
- Any costs you incur whilst putting together your application
