High Sheriffs’ Fund opens for applications
5th November 2024
The High Sheriff of Essex, David Hurst, is encouraging charities and voluntary groups to apply for funding to support their work tackling crime and community safety.
The funding comes from the High Sheriffs’ Fund and other community safety funds managed by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF).
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to support organisations working across Essex, Southend and Thurrock for a wide range of work and projects. These include helping victims of crime, working with young people and informing them about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, gangs and anti-social behaviour, and initiatives that contribute to keeping elderly residents safe in their homes and the wider community.
Previously supported projects include a mobile youth club in South Essex, help for adults and young people who are homeless in Chelmsford and Colchester, a programme working with perpetrators and survivors of domestic abuse and knife crime prevention workshops.
ECF has managed the High Sheriffs’ Fund since 1997 and since then, grants totalling £745,000 have been given to a wide range of charities. In addition, successive High Sheriffs who have fundraised during their year of office, combined with donations made by Essex Police to the Proceeds of Crime Matched Funding Scheme, have helped to grow the endowed High Sheriffs’ Fund which provides for an annual programme of grants.
David has already visited many charities and voluntary groups across the county, meeting volunteers and seeing first-hand the difference these organisations are making.
He said: “I have been inspired and humbled by the work that I have seen being undertaken in local communities across Essex, both by paid staff and volunteers. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to highlight and recognise their important work that is making such a difference to the lives of people of all ages, helping to keep them safe from crime and the fear of crime.
“Providing support from the High Sheriffs’ Fund is just one way of showing thanks and appreciation, so I very much encourage groups to apply for funding to support their vital work.”
Caroline Taylor, CEO at ECF, said: “We are delighted to work with successive High Sheriffs to ensure the money they raise helps to tackle important issues at a local level. As well as the High Sheriffs’ Fund, we manage other funds established with the support of the Proceeds of Crime Matched Funding Scheme set up by Essex Police in 2013. All these funds enable us to support a wide range of community safety initiatives so please call our friendly grants team who will pleased to have a conversation and help you make an application.”
The deadline for applications is 1 December. The panel will meet to consider applications in February 2025. Click here to apply or call the grants team on 01245 355947.