Aims/priorities: The England Illegal Money Lending Team (known as Stop Loan Sharks) currently has grants available, using money confiscated from convicted loan sharks. Instead of benefiting criminals, these funds are being reinvested into communities to help protect people from illegal lenders and prevent future harm. Illegal lenders, or loan sharks, lend money without having authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority. They often give loans with no paperwork and can add huge charges or use violence and intimidation, to ensure you keep paying them.
We're looking for creative community projects that help raise awareness of the dangers of loan sharks and illegal lending.
Funds can be spent on any worthwhile community project that meets the following criteria:
- Contributes to raising awareness of the dangers of using loan sharks
- Prevents crime and disorder and publicises the Stop Loan Sharks message
- Promotes the work of the Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) in communities
- Encourages reporting of loan sharks
Successful projects should meet our five key criteria:
1. Innovative
Has this been done before and if so, what makes this project different?
2. Community Engagement
Who will this project reach and how many people will be involved? Will you help get the Stop Loan Sharks message to a new audience?
3. Impact
How will it affect and influence the people reached and how will it change their actions and understanding?
4. Legacy
What will it leave behind and how is it sustainable?
5. Value for Money
How does this project represent value for money?
Who can apply? Local residents’ groups, charities, private companies, social enterprises, community and voluntary groups, schools and statutory agencies can apply.
Grant amount: Grants up to £5,000 are available.
Application process: If your project meets these criteria, then please complete the application form here then email your completed application to partner@stoploansharks.gov.uk
Deadline: Friday, 16 October 2026.
Contact information: Email: partner@stoploansharks.gov.uk