Police Mutual, a financial services firm for police officers and their families, has launched an initiative targeting community groups across the UK.

In the past two weeks, Police Mutual has piloted a strategy whereby organisations it deems to substantially benefit local communities are eligible for financial assistance. Police Mutual has provided financial assistance for serving and retired police staff and officers for 140 years, encouraging growth and development to benefit local groups is very much at the heart of its ethos.

Founded in 1866, the Police Mutual Assurance Society now has around 200,000 regular members. Savings, investment and insurance are just some of its specialist areas, with the society also aimed at ensuring none of its members have to face financial difficulties alone. Run on a non-profit basis, Police Mutual reinvests its financial gains back into the company in order to benefit the customer.

The Police Mutual Foundation, a branch of Police Mutual dedicated to providing wellbeing support for its Police Family, launched Force for Good on 1 September. Members of the Police Family are being encouraged to identify causes eligible to receive a stake in the £50,000 allocated, all aimed at enhancing community groups and organisations.

Each project has a maximum investment of £1,000, and must be based in the UK. Anything a Police Mutual member deems a force for good can be nominated, including the provision of equipment for community-based groups, covering programme costs, or funding new activities for members to benefit from. Nominations close on 30 September.

Police Mutual chief executive, Stephen Mann, says, “The Police Family has the power to identify and reward causes they feel improve lives within their communities. We hope that this initiative will bring whole communities together as a force for good.”