Grassroots Grants
What is the Grassroots Grants and Endowment Challenge?
The Government's Office of the Third Sector has committed £130 million to support thousands of voluntary and community groups throughout England. Essex Community Foundation has won the Government bid to manage the Grassroots Grants and Endowment Challenge in Essex, Southend and Thurrock. There are two elements, adding up to a £7 million programme to benefit local people.
- A £2 million grants programme to be delivered over the next three years.
- A £5 million endowment fund is the target with £1.6 million on offer from the Government if Essex Community Foundation can raise a further £3.3 million
ECF's Development Director, Bob Sherer is asking local people and businesses to help Essex achieve this challenge. The value of donations can be nearly doubled if they are recieved by Essex Community between now and March 2011. Potential donors will be offered a direct cash incentive to give money to help build up an endowed fund on behalf of local communities The income that these funds generate will then be used to ensure long term, sustainable, financial support for local charitable groups and projects
Take the challenge
ECF’s Programme Director Caroline Taylor is encouraging grasssroots voluntary and community groups in Essex Southend and Thurrock to apply for funds. Grants of up to £5,000 are targeted at small, mainly volunteer led groups, with an income of less than £20,000 a year and have been active in their community for more than 12 months. There will be a fast track assessment process for applications received at ECF by 12 noon every second Wednesday of the month.
