Thrive Programme
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 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
Applications for Thrive 2026 open in November.
We’ll be hosting online information sessions in December and January.
If you believe the programme could support your organisation and you’re interested in applying then please read our guide.
Thrive Programme 2026 Information guide – Click here.
This guide includes:
- How to apply
- Key dates
- Eligibility criteria
- What to expect
You’ll also find links to sign up for the information sessions and access the application form inside.
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.