18 Jan ECF Turns Criminals’ Assets into Community Cash
A pioneering scheme which turns the proceeds of crime into a positive benefit for the community has been given an extra match funding boost of £75,000.
Money from the sale of property and items seized by Essex Police from criminals is being recycled to encourage local giving and provide grants to voluntary and community organisations for community safety projects in the county.
The matched funding scheme was first launched in 2014 by Essex Police with an initial sum of £75,000 and is managed by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF). The Scheme has been such a success that a further £75,000 of matched funding has now been given by Essex Police.
The motivating incentive at the heart of the scheme offers individuals and companies the chance to make donations which will be match funded by 50 per cent from the money channelled through ECF by Essex Police. Individuals and companies who commit to donating £25,000 or more can have the opportunity to establish their own named endowed fund with ECF.
Stephen Kavanagh, Chief Constable of Essex said: “The Essex Police Proceeds of Crime Match Funding Scheme is a highly innovative, if not unique approach, which means that money collected from criminals is being used to help increase charitable giving across the county. As a result endowed funds are being established and grants are being made to voluntary organisations to help make our county safer.
“This demonstrates the commitment of Essex Police to giving support to people and local charities in Essex who are working and making our county a better and safer place to live.
“We are delighted to be working closely with such a highly respected organisation as ECF to make the scheme work and to ensure it has a lasting impact. It is extremely satisfying to see that it is payback time for criminals and the money will be used for the benefit of local people.
Caroline Taylor, Chief Executive of ECF said: “We are very pleased to be working with Essex Police on this innovative scheme helping to convert the proceeds of crime into something positive.
“There are many organisations working to improve community safety and we know that even modest grants to them will make a big difference to people’s lives.
“We would be delighted to talk to anyone who is interested in the matched funding which is available. It is a great opportunity for people who want to give as, with gift aid, their donations will be almost doubled.”
