Good causes in Congleton can now take action to 'help make their communities safer' by accessing a new funding pot, thanks to Dan Price, Cheshire Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC).

The community fund is the largest the PCC has made available and will empower communities to bring their good ideas to life.

The SWAP Fund - Safety, Working Together, Action and Prevention – comes from the Proceeds of Crime Act; money that has been actively seized or recuperated from criminals operating within the county. It takes money that was earned or acquired in a negative way and swaps it for a positive community change.

Anyone can apply for between £1k and £5k from the fund. It's aimed at volunteer groups and not-for-profit organisations. 

The logo of the PCC. (Image - Cheshire PCC)

According to the Office of the Cheshire Police Commissioner, community funds have been available from the PCC office in previous years, but this year the SWAP fund is 50% larger and more flexible. 

Community groups can apply for 'Express Grants' up to £1,000 or alternatively apply for a 'Main Grant' of up to £5,000, 

Dan Price, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: "Residents often know best when it comes to what their communities need to feel safer – that's what the SWAP Fund is all about.

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"I know from talking to so many residents across Cheshire that there are some great ideas that could make a real difference. The SWAP fund is there to help bring those ideas to life. We have so many committed community champions in Cheshire. I can't wait to read some of these applications, visit some of these initiatives and see the positive impact this funding will have."

Dan has set aside £150,000 from Proceeds of Crime (POCA) to fund community projects across the county through his SWAP Fund. The fund aims to tackle crime at its root cause, turning criminal money into positive action. (Image - Congleton Nub News)

The PCC wants to fund projects which focus on one of his priorities. He would like to fund innovative ideas which address one of the following:

• Improve community safety
• Reduce offending and reoffending
• Supporting victims of crime
• Reduce crime and anti-social behaviour
• Youth engagement projects
• Crime prevention and early intervention

The Cheshire PCC office, Winsford. (Image - Congleton Nub News)

So if a good cause in Congleton has a project they are working on, that meets the above criteria, then get applying.

The application window is now open and will close on February 1 2025.

More information about the fund and application form are on this webpage.

Dan Price, of the Labour Party, was elected at Cheshire's Police Commissioner in May 2024. The role holds Cheshire Police to account. 

Applications close in February. (Image - Congleton Nub News)