Local Funding

The Essex Community Foundation charity supports a wide range of voluntary or community groups projects. The foundation can give up to £10,000 for any project. The average amount they have given is £3,500.

These funds include but are not limited to:

General Funds.  ECF general funding can support many aspects of your work including: running costs, salary costs, capital equipment or specific project costs. These funds are available throughout the year, there are no deadlines so you can apply at any time. Our general funds can support one off or continuing work and you can apply up to £10,000 (over one year) by using the online application form.

Bradwell Wind Farm Community Fund supports community projects in the area of Bradwell-on Sea and Tillingham, Essex. The panel particularly wants to encourage small community and not-for-profit groups in Bradwell-on-Sea and Tillingham to apply where a small grant can make a real difference to their community. Help and support is available through the application process – please call the Grants Team on 01245 356018 or locally Sarah Laskar at Maldon CVS on 01621 851891.

Comic Relief Local Communities Programme awards grants up to £10,000 to voluntary and community organisations working across Essex, Southend and Thurrock. Any grant must be at least 30% of the total cost of the project and we cannot consider supporting your organisation if you are currently in receipt of funding directly from Comic Relief.

Earls Hall Farm Community Benefit Fund supports charitable purposes in the area of St Osyth Ward (especially Row Heath, St Osyth Heath, St Osyth village), Bockings Elm Ward and the area of Little Clacton west of the A133. The panel will give priority to small local groups for whom a small grant will make a big difference in their community.

ECC Chairman's Fund supports voluntary and community organisations and charitable activities in the administrative county of Essex that enrich the lives of young people by increasing their awareness and participation in activities exploring culture and heritage. The average grant awarded is around £3,500 and all successful applicants are invited to attend the Essex Millennium and Chairman's Awards Evening on 14th April.

Essex Millennium Fund supports charitable activity in the administrative county of Essex and in particular carers, community support, enhancing the environment and young people. The average grant awarded is around £3,500.

Essex Youth Philanthropy Fund is inviting applications for small grants up to £1,000 to meet either of the following criteria: To help finance projects which will facilitate training, enterprise and skills improvement for young people 11-18 and provide a learning outcome and/or qualifications where applicable; To help finance practical skills and inclusive projects for young people who are disadvantaged through family circumstances.

Firebird Fund supports people with mental health issues in Southend and South East Essex. Whilst the fund does support organisations, the panel will also accept requests from individuals for respite breaks, training and experiences they would struggle to access without financial support. Please call Jill Curd or Fran Wright on 01245 356018 to discuss how an individual may apply. If you are applying on behalf of an organisation, please click here.

Harlow Recreation Trust awards grants up to £10,000 to support charitable projects undertaken by voluntary and community organisations that support the development of recreational skills, knowledge and talent for the benefit of people living in Harlow.

Southend Community Fund is inviting voluntary and community organisations active in or benefiting the Southend community to apply for a grant. Please contact the grants team if you would like to discuss an application on 01245 356018.

Surviving Winter Appeal supports organisations that are helping elderly and vulnerable people through the winter season. Grants awarded average £2,000 and you can apply using our general application form.

Community and Voluntary groups in Essex.

Grants of up to £10,000