Smaller charities and community groups across Essex, Hertfordshire and Suffolk now have another opportunity to apply for funding as the Saffron Community Fund has reopened for applications.
What the Fund Supports
The Saffron Community Fund focuses on projects that support elderly people, children and young people, and environmental or green causes. Applications are open to charities, not-for-profits, and volunteer groups. Each application is assessed individually to ensure funding is allocated fairly.
Priority is given to organisations based near a Saffron Building Society branch, but the fund is open to eligible groups across Essex, Hertfordshire and Suffolk that are working to make a positive difference in their local communities.
Discover if there is a branch near you – here.
Why it Matters
Since its launch, the Saffron Community Fund (SCF) has awarded over £300,000 in grants to a wide range of causes, enabling grassroots organisations to deliver essential services and projects that strengthen local communities. Established by Saffron Building Society and managed in partnership with Essex Community Foundation, the fund ensures support is distributed fairly and where it can have the greatest impact.
In 2025 Saffron Building Society reached a major milestone, with its endowment fund at ECF surpassing £1 million, well ahead of the five-year target set in 2023.
This achievement means the Saffron Community Fund can now award around £50,000 each year to support local projects, charities, and initiatives across Essex.
Claire Hunnable, Saffron’s Community Business Partner, explains:
“Our Fund is an essential source of funding for some of the smaller charities and community groups around our branches. We have developed a unique and important working relationship with Essex Community Foundation that ensure all grant decisions made by our panel are undertaken with expert guidance from them.“Every year we are amazed by the diversity of the applications and are always delighted to be introduced to groups we may never normally have been aware of. I also have the pleasure of meeting the people behind the projects and to see the amazing work that is happening all around our communities.”
Examples of Projects Recently Supported by the Fund:
- Dance Network Association (DNA) – A dance charity supporting people living with dementia and Parkinson’s, as well as their carers, across Essex. They were awarded £5,000 towards the core running costs of the charity, helping to sustain their creative programmes and support for local people and families.
- Accuro (Care Services) – A charity supporting children, young people and adults with disabilities across West Essex. They were awarded £5,000 towards the delivery of Accuro Active, a programme of activity days and outings for adults aged 19+ with SEND in Uttlesford, helping to provide opportunities for social connection, independence and community participation.
- Red Kite Support – A charity supporting survivors of rape and sexual abuse across Hertfordshire and West Essex. They were awarded £10,200 towards the ongoing running costs of the organisation over two years, helping to provide a volunteer-led helpline and free trauma-informed therapy sessions for survivors.
Pictured below: participants enjoying an Accuro (Care Services) beach activity day and summer holiday activity programme.
Application Deadline:
Applications close Wednesday 25 November 2026.
Applications will be considered by the Saffron Community Fund panel at the end of January 2027, with funding decisions communicated shortly afterwards. We encourage groups to take this timeline into account when planning project start dates and activities.
How to Apply:
Could your charity or group be next?
If you would like to apply, please fill out the application form by Clicking here.
We always recommend getting in touch first to ensure you have the right guidance before submitting your application, to do so please contact our Grants Team using the contact information below.
Get In Touch
- Call us on 01245 355947
- Click here to book a time slot to speak with a grants officer
- E-mail grants@essexcf.org.uk