Charities in the Braintree district encouraged to apply for vital funding boost
14th August 2020
A charitable fund that has already channelled over £320,000 into the Braintree District is calling on local voluntary organisations to apply to its latest round.
The Braintree District and Eastlight Community Fund, set up by Braintree District Council and Eastlight Community Homes, awards grants annually of between £10,000 to £40,000 to support local causes.
To be eligible, projects must either help to improve health and well-being, increase aspirations and opportunities, or develop skills through training.
The Fund is managed by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF), which has a strong track record of managing funds and channelling grants to support community activity in Essex.
Projects that have previously received funding include:
- Abberton Rural Training:£35,200 to provide outdoor rural skills training to people who are unemployed or have mental health problems in the Braintree District.
- Braintree Rethink Carers Support Group:£15,000 to continue an art support group for people with mental health issues and their carers.
- Braintree District Mencap Society:£13,426 to run a life skills programme for young adults with learning difficulties.
- Braintree Area Foodbank:£40,000 to employ a full-time project manager to oversee the expansion of the foodbank.
A panel made up of representatives from Braintree District Council and Eastlight review and agree all applications.
Emma Palmer, Chief Executive of Eastlight, urges local community organisations to apply: “We want to improve the lives of people living in the District in any way we can.
“We know that there are projects out there doing wonderful work, and we want to support them to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of people in our communities.”
Councillor Wendy Schmitt, of Braintree District Council and panel member, said: “As a council we are proud to be part of this fund which is making a real difference to the community. I would encourage local voluntary organisations across the Braintree District to make the most of this opportunity and apply for funding.”
For more information and to apply, click here or call the ECF grants team on 01245 356018. The deadline is 5pm on Monday 31 August.