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Charities urged to apply to the Essex Fund for support

20th February 2025

Essex based charities are encouraged to apply now, for financial support from the Essex Fund to keep their services and projects running.

The Essex Fund, which is managed by the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation, was set up by Essex County Council in 2000.  Since it was set up, the Fund, which provides annual support to the voluntary and community sector in Essex, has given out over £1.5 million in grants.

Organisations and projects that help unpaid carers, improve the environment or engage people in environmental projects, provide a community resource or activities that help young people, including arts, culture and heritage projects, are all eligible for consideration.

Groups can apply for up to £5,000 towards their core and operating expenditure, project costs or capital items.

Cllr Jill Reeves, Chair of Essex County Council, said: “Local charities are under increasing pressure as they struggle to pay their bills and running costs alongside managing a growing demand for their services.

“These groups are an asset to our communities and are often a focal point for people who need extra support.  We encourage them to contact ECF to talk about their funding needs to continue their valuable work.”

Charitable activities that have received funding in previous years include support for unpaid carers, projects to engage children and adults with learning disabilities, a rural play bus for children living in isolated and a wide range of musical, arts and culture-based community events.

Andy Payne Worpole, Director of Policy and Programmes at ECF, said: “We are pleased to manage the Essex Fund and work with the decision-making panel at the council to get funding to where it is needed most.

“These organisations play a vital role in our communities and the Essex Fund is one way that we can invest in their work and ensure they can continue to operate and help local people in need.

“The panel are particularly interested in supporting smaller voluntary organisations with an income of under £150,000, and projects that are working in areas of deprivation where there is a lack of facilities.”

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 21 March.

 

How To Apply: