(Pictured above) last year’s winners of the High Sheriff’s Shield Award Kids Inspire.
Charities and voluntary groups across Essex that are helping to protect people from harm, support victims of crime, or make their communities safer can now apply for grants from the High Sheriffs’ Fund, managed by Essex Community Foundation (ECF).
The High Sheriffs’ Fund provides vital support to a wide range of local initiatives and groups working to improve community safety. This includes efforts focused on crime prevention, rehabilitation, and many other related issues. Grants of up to £5,000 have previously supported projects such as services for victims of modern slavery, counselling for women and children affected by domestic abuse, diversionary activities for young people, and work placement schemes for ex-offenders.
The current High Sheriff of Essex, Susannah (Susie) Dutton ( pictured above), has seen first-hand the dedication of volunteers and community organisations working to make Essex a safer place for everyone.
The High Sheriffs’ Fund is one of many charitable funds managed by ECF that support local people and communities. Through its partnerships with successive High Sheriffs, ECF ensures that funding is directed where it can have the greatest impact.
Gavin Benn, Director of Partnerships & Programmes at ECF, said:
“We are proud of our longstanding partnership with the High Sheriff of Essex, which enables us to support local organisations working to address community safety issues across the county. Through the High Sheriff’s Fund, we can invest in projects that make a real difference, helping people feel safer, more supported and better connected within their communities.”
To Apply
The deadline for applications is 16 November 2026, and the panel will meet to review submissions in February 2027.
As the High Sheriff’s Fund continues to attract a growing number of applications, we have brought forward this year’s deadline to allow adequate time for all submissions to be reviewed thoroughly and fairly. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.
The Fund is open to any community project, group or charity across Essex with focuses linked to community safety.
To apply, Click here and select High Sheriff’s Fund from the dropdown menu.
You can also call the Grants Team on 01245 355947 for more information. We always recommend getting in touch first to ensure you have the right guidance before submitting your application