NI Assets Recovery Community Scheme Opens for 2027-2030 Funding

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Funding for projects tackling crime and strengthening community safety across Northern Ireland.

Community organisations across Northern Ireland can now apply for funding of up to £75,000 through the Assets Recovery Community Scheme (ARCS) for projects running between April 2027 and March 2030.

The scheme, provided by the Northern Ireland Department of Justice, uses money recovered from criminal assets to support community projects that prevent crime, reduce the fear of crime and help create safer, more resilient communities.

Voluntary and community sector organisations, registered charities and statutory bodies delivering projects in community settings in Northern Ireland are eligible to apply.

Funding can support projects that:

  • Prevent crime or reduce the fear of crime.

  • Create safer and more resilient communities.

  • Demonstrate that crime does not pay by reinvesting the proceeds of crime in positive community initiatives.

  • Increase public confidence in the justice system.

  • Reduce offending and reoffending.

  • Divert vulnerable individuals away from criminal behaviour.

Applications can request between £5,000 and £25,000 per year for up to three years, with a maximum total award of £75,000 per application.

Funded projects must run within the following periods:

  • 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2028.

  • 1 April 2028 to 31 March 2029.

  • 1 April 2029 to 31 March 2030.

Projects must use innovative approaches to preventing crime or reducing the fear of crime, with activities benefiting victims, communities, the environment, or a combination of these.

The deadline for applications is 16 November 2026. For more information, please visit Assets Recovery Community Scheme guidance notes and application form | Department of Justice