Local Funding

Essex Community Foundation

Community Foundations are a rapidly growing network of grant-makers whose members are represented by local Foundations across the United Kingdom. The Essex Community Foundation is an independent charity. The Essex Community Foundation is committed to increasing the amount of charitable funding that is available, and accessible, to voluntary organisations and community groups active in Essex, Southend and Thurrock. The funds are only available to voluntary and community groups that are working locally.

Its grant making programme includes:

Acorn Fund - To support new and existing methods of social and community activities, encourage community involvement and self-help within Essex, Southend and Thurrock. Maximum grant £10,000.

Bartella Charitable Fund - To support charitable activity helping young people living in the Chelmsford district. Maximum grant £10,000.

Chiron Fund - To support new and existing methods of social and community activities, encourage community involvement and self-help within Essex, Southend and Thurrock. Maximum grant £10,000.

Colchester Fund - To support charitable and community activities in the Colchester district. Maximum grant £10,000.

Coombewood Amenity Fund - To support people suffering with mental health problems in South Essex. Maximum grant £2,500.

Essex & Suffolk Water Community Fund - To meet the needs of the community in the districts serviced by Essex & Suffolk Water. Maximum grant £1,500.

Essex County Council Millennium Fund - To support young people, carers, the community and the local environment. Maximum grant £10,000.

Essex Crimebeat - To support projects identified and implemented by young people to make their communities safer. Maximum grant £500.

High Sheriffs' Awards - To support local initiatives devised to make communities safer places to work and live. Maximum grant £1,000.

Key Fund (European Social Fund Global Grants) - To help specific groups of people who are disadvantaged in the labour market improve their employability. Maximum grant £10,000.

Local Network Fund for Children & Young People - To support community and self help activities that improve the lives of disadvantaged children. Maximum grant £10,000.

Margaretting Fund - To support charitable activities within the Chelmsford District. Maximum grant £1,000.

Marsh Fund - To support charitable and community activities in the Witham area. Maximum grant £2,500

Neighbourhood Fund - To support local voluntary organisations to develop their capacity to deliver learning opportunities to deprived neighbourhoods. There is no maximum upper limit.

Royal London Community Fund - To support charitable and community activities in and around Colchester. Maximum grant £10,000.

Southend Fund - To support charitable and community activities in the Southend District. Maximum grant £1,000.


Sport Relief Fund - To support voluntary and community organisations that are providing sport and exercise opportunities for people who are excluded or disadvantaged. Maximum grant £5,000.

Community and Voluntary groups

Please see above.