Up to £5,000 is on offer through the SWAP Fund (Safety, Working Together, Action, and Prevention), a £100,000 community scheme for projects aimed at building safer, stronger neighbourhoods in Cheshire.
Funded by the Proceeds of Crime Act, the SWAP Fund redirects money seized from criminals back into communities to support positive change.
Groups from across Cheshire, including those in Northwich, Winsford, Middlewich, and Knutsford, are invited to apply.
Eligible applicants include community groups, charities, not-for-profit organisations, and – new for this round – schools wishing to run projects outside the standard curriculum.
Dan Price, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, said: “People in Winsford, Northwich, Knutsford, and across Cheshire know best what will make their neighbourhoods safer and stronger.
“The SWAP Fund is about putting resources into their hands so they can take action that works locally.
“We’ve seen how previous projects have changed lives, and I’m looking forward to supporting more fantastic ideas that will benefit communities right here.”
Last year’s recipients included Northwich boxing club Superbox Northwich CIC, which received a £1,000 grant to purchase equipment such as head guards and gloves.
Coach Mike Dempsey, from Superbox, said: “This area has quite high levels of anti-social behaviour, so we’re keeping the kids off the street.
“These kids have all got big smiles on their faces. They’re enjoying it and keeping fit.
“We’re tackling obesity, we’re talking to them about diet. We’re really impressed with their progress.
“The fund is there to support local community causes. Dan and the team are really helpful and supportive.”
In Knutsford, Stable Minds CIC used the funding to support victims of crime with trauma psychotherapy sessions.
One beneficiary, referred to as Sarah, accessed six fully-funded sessions following a violent assault that left her with severe PTSD symptoms.
Amelia Peel, founder of Stable Minds CIC, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support provided through the SWAP Fund, which allowed us to deliver vital trauma psychotherapy sessions to victims of crime who otherwise may not have been able to access specialist support.
“The funding not only met the original target but, through additional self-funded sessions, enabled us to go beyond and meet the needs of those requiring extra care.
“The impact has been significant, with clients reporting reduced PTSD symptoms, improved emotional well-being and an increased ability to re-engage with their daily lives and relationships.
“It has also had a wider positive effect on families and support networks, creating healthier home environments and reducing the secondary impact of trauma on loved ones.”
The SWAP Fund prioritises projects that improve community safety, reduce offending and reoffending, support victims of crime, address crime and anti-social behaviour, create positive activities for young people, or promote crime prevention and early intervention.
Applications are open until 5pm on October 17.
More information and application forms are available online.
