Scottish Ministers announced in June 2007 that they would use the funds recovered from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) to expand young people’s horizons and increase the opportunities they have to develop their interests and skills.  

Cashback for Communities is now open for applications for its 6th round of funding with an allocation of up to £20 million over 3 years.  Applications close on noon, Friday 12 August.  Funding for successful applicants will commence from April 2023 to March 2026.

Organisations must have a proven track record of delivering activities which support the Scottish Government’s Justice Vision and the criteria for CashBack Phase 6 as set out below.  You can find out more on the Scottish Government’s Vision for Justice in Scotland here.

Phase 6 will fund projects which deliver a range of trauma informed and person-centred services & activities for young people between the ages of 10-25 that:

  • Support young people most at risk of being involved in antisocial behaviour, offending or reoffending towards or into positive destinations;
  • Provide person-centred support for young people, parents and families impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences and trauma;
  • Support young people to improve their health, mental health and wellbeing;
  • Support people, families and communities most affected by crime.

(Please note that the following type of proposals are ineligible to apply for CashBack funding: proposals with a duration of less than 24 months; proposals which require CashBack funding of less than £150,000 over the duration of the project; proposals which deliver mainstream services provided by the public sector including local authority-based projects; funding solely to match fund or financially support other non-CashBack projects; proposals which include more than 10% capital funding.)

Further information on the criteria and how to apply is available here.

If you have any questions, please get in touch.

The enquiry address is: CashBack@inspiringscotland.org.uk.  The mailbox closes on Friday 5 August.

Funding for the Cashback for Communities programme commenced in 2008.  For your information, details on the 24 projects currently being funded under Phase 5 of the programme (2020-2023) is available here.