Grassroots Grants
What is the Grassroots Grants and Endowment Challenge?
In 2008 the Government's Office of the Third Sector committed £130 million to support thousands of voluntary and community groups throughout England. Essex Community Foundation won the Government bid to manage the Grassroots Grants and Endowment Challenge in Essex, Southend and Thurrock. The challenge comprised two elements, adding up to a £8.5 million programme to benefit local people.
- A £2 million grants programme which has now been sucessfully delivered
- We are delighted to have also created a £6.6 million endowment fund created by £4.4m generously donated by the people and businesses of Essex, Southend and Thurrock which has been matched by £2.2 million from the Government.
The income that these funds generate will be used to ensure long term, sustainable, financial support for local charitable groups and projects
Grants of up to £5,000 were targeted at small, mainly volunteer led groups, with an income of less than £30,000 a year which had been active in their community for more than 12 months. Over 900 grants have been awarded to almost 600 organisations throughout essex, Southend and Thurrock. You can view a complete list here.
