Grants available for Harlow charities keeping people active    

23rd July 2025

Voluntary and community organisations in Harlow are being encouraged to apply for grants from the Harlow Recreation Trust. 

Grants of between £500 and £7,500 are available for projects and activities that support recreational activities, knowledge and talent for the benefit of people living in Harlow. 

The Trust has been managed by us since 2010 and has awarded grants totalling nearly £570,000 to support local charities and voluntary groups.  We assess all applications to the Trust and work with a panel of local people who share their knowledge and expertise to help make decisions on which applications to support. 

Andy Payne Worpole, Director of Policy and Programmes at ECF, said: “The grants available from this fund are helping to keep people active through sports and social projects.  

“We know there are many charities and voluntary groups in Harlow that are providing a range of activities and we encourage them to get in touch with our grants team who are always happy to discuss ideas and funding needs.  Grants are generally awarded for one year, but for exceptional projects the panel may consider projects over multiple years.” 

Previous organisations that have received support include Plant Pots and Wellies, a Harlow based project providing safe opportunities for horticultural and outdoor therapy. They received £4,000 from the Trust to support the cost of employing a part-time member of staff to deliver a range of outdoor activity sessions for children, young adults and adults with additional needs.

The Griffin Bowls Club also received funding from the Trust and £4,786 helped to pay for equipment and the fees to maintain the greens of the community bowls club. 

The deadline to submit an application is 1 September 2025. 

Charities, voluntary and community groups in Harlow are also encouraged to join us online on Wednesday 6 August where they can learn about the fund in more detail and ask questions.  To join, sign up using this link.   

To apply for a grant or to read more about who we support, click here.