The Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) is an important tool for attacking criminality by seizing assets that have been generated as a result of criminal acts.
The NICE (Neighbourhoods Investing Criminal Earnings) Fund was set up under the previous Commissioner Alan Charles in 2015. It was agreed that a fund be established from the POCA income from 2013/14 and this money was allocated to the PCC to be awarded through the NICE Fund.
The current Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa is inviting single applications to the NICE Fund in 2018 of between £10,000 and £25,000 from voluntary and community groups and local non-profit making organisations within Derbyshire and Derby City. He will be looking to fund organisations who can deliver innovative projects which will leave a lasting legacy for their community. The Commissioner wishes to fund at least one project in each policing area.
All applications must provide clear evidence of need for the project together with evidence of support for the project from the local community.
Mr Dhindsa said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for voluntary and non-profit making organisations to secure vital funding to enhance community spirit and bring people together as well as improve life for local people.
“We want to hear from organisations which are committed to putting something back into their neighbourhoods and increasing quality of life and wellbeing for those who live there."
There will be three stages to the application process:
• The first stage will be to invite applicants to complete an outline proposal form detailing an initial outline for the project including evidence of need, costs and timescales and evidence of community support for the project.
• The successful proposals will be shortlisted and successful applicants at this stage will be invited to complete and submit a full application.
• A final decision meeting will then take place when the Commissioner will select the projects to receive the offer of a grant.
The Standard Conditions for the fund can be viewed here.
| Proposed timeframe for NICE applications | |
|---|
| Applications open: |
1st January 2018 |
| Submission of outline proposal by: |
12 noon on 16th February 2018 |
| Shortlisting completed by: |
28th February 2018 |
| Submission of full application by: |
31st March 2018 |
| Final Decisions made by: |
30th April 2018 |
| Start Date of successful projects by: |
1st June 2018 |
Awarded NICE Grants
The table below provides details of the organisations who have been awarded grants from the NICE fund. A copy of each grant agreement can be viewed by clicking on the relevant links.