Community groups across Cheshire are invited to bid for a share of a £50,000 fund to support safer communities.

Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Dan Price, has reopened the SWAP Fund for a third year.

Groups with ideas for projects to reduce crime, improve community safety and prevent people from becoming involved in criminal behaviour, have been encouraged to bid for grants of up to £2,500.

Funded through money recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act, the SWAP Fund reinvests assets seized from criminals back into local communities.

Dan Price said: "Having visited many of the projects supported through the fund, I've seen first-hand the impact they are having on local people and experienced the passion and commitment of those that organise the opportunities.

"If you've got an idea that could make a difference in your community, I'd encourage you to put an application in.

"By backing local people and local organisations, we can continue building stronger, safer communities and creating opportunities for residents right across Cheshire."

The fund supports practical, community-led initiatives that contribute to crime prevention and early intervention.

This could include mentoring programmes, community engagement schemes and targeted support for vulnerable groups.

Primal Mentality, who have been supported previously, said: "The funding enabled us to work with young people who were at risk of becoming further disengaged from education and positive community activities.

"By working in partnership with Halton Youth Justice Service, we were able to provide a consistent, supportive environment where participants developed confidence, learnt new skills and built positive relationships."

Dan Price also explained that the latest round will mark a "significant milestone" for the SWAP Fund.

Once this year's money has been awarded, more more than £500,000 will have been invested into projects across Cheshire under his term as PCC.

The PCC is inviting funding applications that address at least one of the following priorities:

• Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour
• Improving community safety
• Supporting the delivery of policing and crime prevention outcomes
• Preventing individuals from becoming involved in criminal behaviour
• Increasing community resilience and confidence

Applications are now open and will close on Monday 30 November 2026 at 9am.

For more information about the SWAP Fund, and to find the application form, visit the PCC website here.