High Sheriff of Essex calls for funding applications

28th September 2020

Local charities and voluntary organisations are invited to apply for a grant from the High Sheriffs’ Fund to support projects that address crime reduction, community safety and anti-social behaviour across the County.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available from the High Sheriffs’ Fund and other community safety focused funds managed by the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation (ECF).

Projects that have received grants previously include outreach work in Clacton for young people at risk of involvement with the County Lines drug culture, advocacy and help for elderly victims of financial abuse in Basildon, Rochford and Rayleigh and support for children of mothers who have experienced domestic abuse.

The deadline date for applications is Tuesday 1 December, so now is the time for organisations to apply for a grant to support their work.

This year’s High Sheriff of Essex, Julie Fosh started her year of office in April, just as lockdown began. She said: “It has been an extraordinary and difficult time for many charities and voluntary groups.

“Initially, I spent a lot of time contacting organisations by phone and talking to them about their work and the challenges they were facing. More recently, I have been able to undertake visits and attend presentations. Talking face to face, even from a distance, has helped me to understand the extent of the amazing work that has been done in communities over the past few months. It has been inspiring and heartwarming.

“The role of the High Sheriff is, in part, about giving recognition to voluntary and not-for-profit organisations that are working at the heart of our communities. The awards that are made from the High Sheriff’s Fund is just one way of showing thanks and appreciation, so I very much encourage groups to apply.”

An independent panel of judges, chaired by the current High Sheriff and including past High Sheriffs, will review the applications and allocate the awards. Since the Fund came under ECF’s management in 1997 it has distributed grants totalling over half a million pounds.

Caroline Taylor, chief executive of ECF said, “ECF is delighted to work with successive High Sheriffs, helping them to direct funding where it is most needed and tackle important issues at a local level.

“Our team are on hand to speak with voluntary organisations about their work. You can call them on 01245 356018 to discuss making an application”.

For more information and to apply, click here.