Forty-six community projects supported through Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund

22nd June 2026

The Community Fund is part of an almost £2 million programme supporting local projects during construction.

Therapeutic gardening project among 31 community initiatives awarded Lower Thames Crossing funding

Trust Links, a charity that helps reduce isolation and improve wellbeing through nature-based activities and therapeutic gardening, has been awarded £10,000 from National Highways’ Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund.

As part of its commitment to creating a lasting positive legacy, the Lower Thames Crossing will invest almost £2 million in community projects during the construction of the new road, supporting initiatives that make a meaningful difference to local people and places.

The funding will enable Trust Links, an Essex-based charity, to create a new community garden in South Ockendon. The garden will give residents the opportunity to learn practical gardening skills, grow fresh produce and take part in cooking sessions using ingredients harvested from the site. Designed to bring people together, the project will help tackle social isolation, improve physical and mental wellbeing, and strengthen connections within the local community.

Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood said:

 “The Government’s significant investment in the Lower Thames Crossing will help local communities by relieving congestion at Dartford and creating new opportunities, but also by backing local good causes that will make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Matt King, CEO of Trust Links, said:

“We are delighted to receive this funding, enabling us to deliver a programme of nature-based community workshops at the Flowers Estate in South Ockendon. We are finding that the needs around skills development, community connection and mental health have never been greater. Investment such as this is essential to enable the voluntary and community sector to work with residents to improve mental health and wellbeing locally.”

Katharina Ferguson, Sustainability and Supply Chain Director, Lower Thames Crossing said:

“We are committed to being a good neighbour and it’s a privilege to be able to support a diverse range of projects, run by dedicated volunteers, who all share the goal of improving local wellbeing.”

Zoe Brampton, Grants Manager at Essex Community Foundation, said:

“We are delighted to continue administering the Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund and see this funding awarded to so many fantastic local charities and community groups across Thurrock, Brentwood and Havering.

These organisations play such an important role in supporting their communities, and the projects funded will help improve wellbeing, develop skills and create stronger connections for local people. We look forward to seeing these projects develop and the benefits they will bring to residents and communities across the area.”

Funding applications are reviewed by a panel of representatives from local authorities, community groups, National Highways and Essex Community Foundation, ensuring support is directed to projects that deliver lasting benefits for local communities.

In Essex, 31 Brentwood, Havering and Thurrock charities and community groups have been awarded cash grants of up to £10,000 from the Lower Thames Crossing’s Community Fund. Each will enhance the quality of life for the local community by boosting skills and employment, improving mental health and wellbeing and helping people feel connected within their local areas.

Other groups to benefit include Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust, enabling CPR training across Thurrock and Brentwood. The Aveley Men’s Shed will also receive funding to purchase tools and equipment, allowing it to expand its programme of teaching woodworking to the local community, helping to combat isolation and loneliness.

The next round of the Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund is due to launch in early 2027.

For further information about  the Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund you can contact our grants team on:

Tel: 01245 355947
Email: hello@essexcf.org.uk

Or contact Lower Thames Crossing directly at:

Email: info@lowerthamescrossing.co.uk

Essex Community Foundation Welcomes Gavin Benn as New Director of Programmes and Partnerships

19th June 2026

ECF is delighted to announce the appointment of Gavin Benn as our new Director of Programmes & Partnerships, a key role that will strengthen our ability to drive change across Essex. 

Gavin brings nearly two decades of national experience leading place-based programmes, building cross-sector partnerships, and shaping funding strategy. Throughout his career, he has focused on connecting grantmaking with policy influence and systems change, working alongside partners to create measurable impact within communities. 

Most recently as Head of Funding Strategy at Save the Children UK, Gavin led work across community investment, place-based delivery and national funding strategy, helping to shape programmes that connect local insight with national influence. His earlier leadership roles at St Mungo’s and across the homelessness sector saw him oversee frontline services and partnerships designed to improve outcomes for people facing deep disadvantage. 

Gavin brings a strong track record in building the kind of trusted, enduring partnerships that enable organisations and communities to grow their own power and ambition. His commitment to Essex and to the people and places that make up our county reflects the values at the heart of this role. 

Caroline Taylor, CEO of Essex Community Foundation, said: 

“Gavin was the standout candidate in a strong field, and we were unanimous in our decision. He brings exactly the combination we were looking for: exceptional delivery capability, national strategic expertise, and the relational leadership that our work demands. We are excited about the experience, ambition and perspective Gavin will bring to this role, and I look forward to working with him to strengthen our impact across Essex.” 

Gavin Benn said: 

“Essex Community Foundation’s commitment to place-based working, genuine partnership, and lasting community impact is exactly where I want to direct my energy. I am looking forward to working alongside an outstanding team, strengthening relationships with partners and funders, and helping shape programmes that create real change for communities across Essex. I am proud to be joining an organisation whose values so closely match my own.” 

Gavin joins ECF at an important moment for the Foundation, and we are confident that his leadership will support the next stage of our work with communities across Essex. We look forward to introducing him across our network in the coming weeks. 

#MyEssex Photo Competition Launches…Enter to Win £500 for Your Local Charity!

17th June 2026

Pride Month: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Communities Across Essex

11th June 2026

Essex Community Foundation (ECF) is proud to support LGBTQIA+ groups across Essex and celebrate the important work they do to bring people together, provide support and create more inclusive, connected communities.
This Pride Month, we’re shining a light on just some of the organisations we have supported and the work they do every day across Essex.

Supporting Pride and Visibility in Basildon

Basildon Pride was established in 2018 to bring people together and create greater visibility and support for the local LGBTQIA+ community. What began as a march through the town centre carrying the message “Love Conquers Hate” has grown into an organisation that promotes equality and diversity across Basildon, creating a place where people can connect, feel represented and celebrate who they are.
Through events, conversations and community activities, Basildon Pride provides a platform for LGBTQIA+ people, friends, families and allies to come together. Alongside the celebration, it creates opportunities for conversations around topics affecting LGBTQIA+ communities and provides spaces where people can access support and build connections.
The organisation helps increase understanding, challenge discrimination and strengthen connections across the borough.

Giving Young People a Voice in Colchester and Tendring

The OutHouse is a registered charity based in Colchester that supports the LGBTQIA+ community through a range of services including one-to-one support, counselling, group activities, social events, advocacy and awareness training.
Through its youth forum across Colchester and Tendring, young LGBTQIA+ people have a platform to share their experiences, discuss issues that matter to them and contribute their ideas.
Through regular meetings, activities and opportunities to learn from others, the forum supports young people to build confidence, have their voices heard and play an active role in shaping more inclusive communities.

Creating Opportunities to Connect in Thurrock

Thurrock LGBTQ+ Network works to promote equality and diversity across Thurrock and the surrounding area by bringing people together, raising awareness and challenging discrimination affecting the LGBTQIA+ community.
Through events and activities held throughout the year, including its annual celebration, film screenings, music nights and social gatherings, the network creates opportunities for LGBTQIA+ people, friends, families and allies to connect, share experiences and take part in community life. The organisation also works with local groups and partners to increase understanding, build connections and create more inclusive communities.

Continuing our Support

Thank you to all of the organisations supporting LGBTQIA+ communities across Essex. Your vital work helps people feel seen, supported and connected, and we are proud to continue supporting you.

If your organisation supports the LGBTQIA+ community and needs funding to continue your work, we welcome applications.

Apply for Support here 

Funding Opportunity: The Saffron Community Fund – Opens Again for Applications

26th May 2026

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.

Why it Matters

Claire Hunnable, Saffron’s Community Business Partner, explains:

“The Saffron Community Fund has become a real source of colleague and member pride – in 2022 we invested the largest sum to date. Working in partnership with the Essex Community Foundation (who administer Saffron’s fund), we granted £19,327 to applicants including Bishop’s Stortford Mencap, Thaxted Centre for the Disabled, Enterprise East, and CARA (Centre for Action & Rape Abuse). Our support is critical for these smaller charities and we welcome applications for funding from an amazing diversity of groups who do great work at a grassroots level.”

Since then, the fund has gone on to support many more organisations, from community allotment projects and youth initiatives to services for older people and vulnerable groups. Each year, the range of applications grows, reflecting the creativity and resilience of local charities working hard to make a difference.

Examples of Projects Supported by the Fund in 2025

Among some of the latest recipients from the last funding round are are:

• Uttlesford District Stroke Support – A community based organisation supporting local stroke survivors and their carers through regular social meetings, lunches, and outings. They were awarded £1,500 towards their weekly social lunches, outings and informal support for elderly stroke survivors and carers in Saffron Walden.
• Children’s Hospital Pyjamas – a UK-based charity, which collects brand new pyjamas to then donate to hospitals, hospices, and women’s refuges across the UK. They were awarded £1,000 towards the costs of providing pyjamas for poorly and vulnerable children across Essex-based hospitals.
• Bury St Edmunds Child Contact Centre – a registered charity offering supported contact to families where there is no significant risk to the child or those around the child. They were awarded £2,000 to support their core costs.

Deadline

Applications close Monday 22nd of June 2026 

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 give our Grants Team a call on 01245 355947 for more information.

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

Funding Opportunity: East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund Opens 1 June

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.  

The  East of England Co-op’s  Community Cares Fund  gives financial support to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations, charities and parish councils that are providing services or activities that will have a positive impact in their communities. The fund looks to support work that helps people to play an active part in our communities to reduce barriers and inequalities and improve social contact and experiences.  

Fund Outcomes:

• Improved access to social activities for all  

• Reduction in feelings of isolation and improved wellbeing  

• Supported people into education or employment  

• Provided Information, advice or guidance to maximise income  

• Evidence of partnership working or alliance formation  

Your application should fit one or more of the five fund outcomes.   

Fund Criteria : 

• Your work must be delivered within a reasonable distance from an East of England Coop Store. They have stores across Colchester, Braintree, Maldon, Tendring.  Store finder – East of England Co-op   

•  East of England Co-op will only consider applications where they will be funding 30% or more of the overall costs.   

• The fund will not support the same organisation in consecutive years. If you’ve received a grant from the Community Cares Fund previously, there must be at least 12 months since your last end of grant report was received.   

The deadline to apply is 6 July 4:30pm.

Opens for applications on 1 June 2026 

Grant decisions will be made 14 September 2026 

How to apply: 

To apply, please fill out our online application form here.   

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your work in advance of applying, please call the ECF grants team on 01245 355947, or book a call with the team here.