The High Sheriffs’ Fund supports charities and voluntary groups across Essex that are helping to protect people from harm, support victims of crime and make communities safer. Grants of up to £5,000 are available for organisations delivering projects that prevent crime, support rehabilitation and create positive opportunities for vulnerable people.
Additional Funding Opportunities
East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund –
The deadline for applications is 30th November 2026
The region’s largest independent retailer, East of England Co-op, is inviting applications for grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 from charities and organisations that support people in its trading areas across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.
Click here to find out more about the fund and who can apply.
Click here to apply for a grant.
NHS Essex Community Cares Health Partnership Fund – Vaccine Programme
The deadline for applications is 25th November 2026
Grants of up to £10,000 are available for projects lasting up to 24 months.
We’ve partnered with NHS Essex to launch a new pilot Community Health Fund. The first funding programme will support local charities and community groups to deliver projects that improve vaccination awareness and uptake among key priority groups:
- Pregnant women: Pertussis, RSV and Flu
- Teenage girls and boys: HPV
- Children: MMR (Dose 1 and Dose 2)
By building on trusted local relationships and community knowledge, this programme aims to help tackle health inequalities and improve access to vital vaccination information.
Find out more about the fund and how to apply – here.
The Saffron Community Fund –
The deadline for applications is 25th November 2026
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. Priority is given to organisations based near a Saffron Building Society branch, but the fund is open to eligible groups across Essex.
Click here to find out more about the fund.
Click here to apply for a grant.
High Sheriffs’ Fund –
The deadline for applications is 16th November 2026
Previous funding has supported services for victims of modern slavery, counselling for women and children affected by domestic abuse, activities for young people and employment support for ex-offenders.
Click here to find out more about the fund and who can apply.
Click here to apply for a grant.
Opportunities for Individuals
The Dr Geoffrey Sneed Scholarship Programme –
Expression of Interest School Referral Forms must be submitted by 16 December 2026.
The Dr Geoffrey Sneed Fund continues Dr Sneed’s engineering legacy through a scholarship programme that helps talented students pursue engineering degrees. By contributing towards university living costs, the fund enables students to focus on their studies, develop their skills and achieve their career ambitions.
Click here to find out more about the fund and who can apply.
Click here to apply for a grant.
The Firebird –
Currently applications will be accepted until the Fund is fully allocated.
The Firebird Fund supports adults aged 18 to 65 with mental health needs across Southend and Rochford, providing funding primarily for individuals. Funding can be used for training, small business start-up costs, and respite breaks, though organisations may also apply. Mobile phones and laptops are not funded. Applications can be self-referred or supported by a mental health professional.
Apply to either opportunity through our standard application form for individuals – here.
When the form asks, “Please describe how you will use the money to reach your full potential, e.g. in sports, music, education or the arts,” please mention your interest in the Firebird Fund.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions about a funding opportunity you’ve seen advertised, our Grants Team is here to help in whichever way suits you best:
- Chat with us instantly using the button in the bottom right hand corner (9am-4pm)
- Call us on 01245 355947
- Click here to book a time slot to speak with a grants officer
- E-mail grants@essexcf.org.uk
We’d love to hear about your project and help you explore the funding options available to you.
To stay up to date with new funding opportunities as they become available, please check our website, follow our social media channels and subscribe to our newsletter .