Our Thrive Programme exists to help local groups and charities do just that, Thrive!

Thrive is a hands-on development and mentorship programme for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across Essex. Its aim is to help Essex’s charities and community groups grow stronger, more confident, and more sustainable.

Delivered by Essex Community Foundation in partnership with Cranfield Trust (the UK’s leading provider of pro bono management support for the voluntary sector) the programme offers practical, personalised support to help organisations stabilise, strengthen and grow.

Through dedicated mentorship and tailored consultancy, Thrive supports organisations to build confident leadership, plan for the future, and navigate change with clarity and resilience, so they can continue making a lasting difference in their communities.

What the Programme Offers

The nine-month programme provides a comprehensive package of support designed to strengthen your organisation in a sustainable and thoughtful way. This includes:

• An organisational assessment and diagnostic
  A structured review to understand your organisation’s current position, strengths and areas for development.
• Bespoke mentoring and consultancy support
  Ongoing guidance from an experienced mentor, alongside access to specialist expertise through Cranfield Trust.
• A co-developed organisational development plan
  A clear and practical action plan shaped around your priorities and capacity.
• Learning and workshop events
  Opportunities to build skills and explore key themes in organisational leadership and sustainability.
• Peer to peer support and networking
  Space to share experiences, challenges and learning with others facing similar journeys.
• Resources and toolkits developed by Cranfield Trust
  Practical materials to support leadership, governance, planning and operational confidence.

This structured support helps your organisation build clarity, confidence and resilience, and strengthens your ability to plan and deliver for the long term.

Who the Programme is For?

Thrive is open to VCSE organisations in Essex that:

• Are experiencing growth, transition or change
• Want structured support to strengthen sustainability and leadership
• Are ready to engage in reflective development over several months

You do not need to have everything in place already. Thrive meets you where you are.

How to Apply or Find Out More

Thrive 2026 applications will open in November.

If you think the programme could support your organisation, you can begin by reading our Thrive Programme Information Document below which outlines key dates, eligibility and what to expect.

Thrive Programme Information Document – Click Here

Interested in joining the programme? Here are the next steps:

• Submit an Expression of Interest
  Complete the short form below to register your interest in learning more about the programme. Once submitted, you’ll receive a link to join one of our two online information sessions, taking place on 17 December and 7 January. Please make sure to register your interest by 6 January.
• Attend an Information Session
  Join one of two programme information sessions in December or early January to learn more and ask questions. We strongly recommend attending before applying, as these sessions will help you understand the full scope of the programme and strengthen your application.
• Submit Full Application
  Following the information sessions, you will have all the details needed to complete your full application. The application form link can be found below and in the Thrive Information Document and will also be sent to you after attending the information sessions.

Applications must be submitted by 17:00 on Wednesday 21 January 2026.

• Outcome Notification
  You’ll be informed of the outcome by the end of January 2026.
• Induction Session for Successful Applicants
  Successful applicants will attend a programme induction session in February 2026, marking the official start of the programme.
• Begin Mentoring and Support
  Successful applicants will start working with their programme mentor and support team over a nine-month period.

There is no cost to take part.

Thrive Programme Expression of Interest Form – Click here.

Please register your expression of interest by 6 January as the last information session is  7 January.

Thrive Programme Application Form – Click here.

Applications forms must be submitted by 17:00 on Wednesday 21 January 2026.

If you would like to talk through any of this before applying, you are welcome to contact the Grants Team, We are happy to answer questions and help you understand what the programme could look like for your organisation.

Get in Touch

Please email Grants Officer Frankie Webb-Huseyin at frankie@essexcf.org.uk
You can also call the Grants Team on 01245 355947.