Applications invited for funding to improve community safety
Date published:
Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a new round of funding through the Assets Recovery Community Scheme (ARCS).
The funding comes from the seizure of criminal assets and is used to improve community safety across Northern Ireland.
The Minister said: “ARCS has been in operation since 2012, providing a mechanism to reinvest funds recovered through confiscation orders into projects aimed at preventing crime and reducing the fear of crime. Since its inception, more than £10 million has been distributed through the scheme to a wide range of organisations.
“Organised crime gangs (OCGs) are run by ruthless individuals who build their ill-gotten wealth by exploiting people and spreading misery across our communities. Law enforcement agencies deploy asset recovery powers to confiscate criminal assets which are then used to invest in key projects through the ARCS scheme.
“I have had the opportunity to visit some of the schemes which have received ARCS funding and have seen first hand the very real difference that it makes to people’s lives and the benefit to local communities in terms of preventing crime and reducing the fear of crime.
“ARCS shows how partners across criminal justice and the community and voluntary sectors are working effectively together for fairness, justice and safety.”
Applications are now open for the new three-year scheme, which will cover the financial years between 2027/28 and 2029/30. The scheme is open to voluntary and community sector organisations, registered charities and statutory bodies delivering projects in Northern Ireland.
Projects will be invited to apply for funding in each or any of the three financial years, with a limit of between £5,000 and £25,000 per project, per year. Examples of work that could be supported include programmes:
− that tackle crime or reduce the fear of crime;
− support the creation of safe and resilient communities;
− send a message that crime does not pay;
− seek to increase public confidence in the justice system;
− reduce reoffending; or
− divert vulnerable individuals away from engagement in criminal behaviour.
The application form and guidance notes can be found on the Department’s website at https://www.justice-ni.gov.uk/publications/assets-recovery-community-scheme-guidance-notes-and-application-form
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 16 November 2026.
Notes to editors:
1. Projects can apply for up to £25,000 per year; not all bids will be successful, and some successful projects may be offered less than they applied for.
2. This funding will cover each of the financial years 2027/28, 2028/29 and 2029/30.
3. The scheme is not intended to fund capital projects or schemes already funded or delivered through other service providers.
4. The ARCS budget is generated from payments made against confiscation orders following a criminal conviction and amounts can therefore vary. Confiscation cases are brough forward by law enforcement agencies.
5. Anyone with any concerns about criminality should call the police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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