The Saffron Community Fund – Apply Now
23rd October 2025
Smaller charities and community groups across Essex, Hertfordshire, and Suffolk have another chance to secure vital funding as the Saffron Community Fund (SCF) is now open again for applications. This initiative, created by Saffron Building Society and managed in partnership with Essex Community Foundation, ensures grants are distributed fairly and where they can make the biggest impact.
Since its launch, the SCF has awarded over £250,000 in grants, helping grassroots organisations deliver essential services and projects that strengthen local communities.
What the Fund Supports
The SCF 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 This Year
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
Professional Masterclass Opportunity For Young Trumpeters
21st October 2025
Ongar Music Club has announced an exciting opportunity for Essex’s young brass players. On Sunday 23 November 2025, internationally acclaimed trumpeter Matilda Lloyd will lead a Masterclass for Young Trumpeters at The Ballroom, Budworth Hall, Ongar.
The Masterclass is organised by Ongar Music Club, with support from the Essex Young Musicians Trust (EYMT) and the Belinda Starling Memorial Fund held by ECF.
The event will begin with Matilda coaching selected trumpet and cornet players, accompanied by pianist Joanna Smith. The day will conclude with a public recital, followed by an award ceremony where two bursaries of £1,000 each will be presented: the EYMT Norman Harper Bursary for the 12–18 age group showing the most promise, and the Belinda Starling Award for the 19–26 age group deemed most outstanding by Matilda.
About Matilda Lloyd
Described by BBC Music Magazine as a “trumpet extraordinaire,” Matilda has captivated audiences across the globe with her radiant tone, expressive phrasing, and dazzling virtuosity.
Find out more about Matilda here.
Applicants Must:
- Be aged 12–26 and of at least Grade 6 standard
- Have lived or studied in Essex, including any town or village that was part of Essex prior to 1965, or that straddles the Essex border with an Essex-based postcode
How to Apply:
- In the first instance, applicants should email Jane Webster, Chair of Ongar Music Club at chairman@ongarmusicclub.org.uk
- If selected to apply, applicants will need to submit a CV and a short video recording of no more than five minutes by 31 October 2025.
- Successful applicants will be asked to pay an entry fee of £30.
The Masterclass is open to the public, and audience members are invited to enjoy an afternoon of music-making, followed by an evening recital. A limited number of tickets will be available on the door.
Tickets can also be purchased in advance here or by visiting ticketsource.co.uk and searching ‘Ongar Music Club’.
If you wish to reserve a ticket at the door, please call the box office.
Box Office: 07970 791945
- Prices: £15 (all day), £8 (evening recital only), Under 18/Student all-day ticket, including recital: £5
- Doors open: 1:30pm, 2:00pm Masterclass, 7:00pm Evening Recital
- Location: The Ballroom, Budworth Hall, Ongar, CM5 9JG
High Sheriff Encourages Applications – 2025
13th October 2025
Charities and voluntary groups across Essex that are helping to protect people from harm, support victims of crime, or make their communities safer can now apply for grants from the High Sheriffs’ Fund, managed by Essex Community Foundation (ECF).
The High Sheriffs’ Fund provides vital support to a wide range of local initiatives and groups working to improve community safety. This includes efforts focused on crime prevention, rehabilitation, and many other related issues. Grants of up to £5,000 have previously supported projects such as services for victims of modern slavery, counselling for women and children affected by domestic abuse, diversionary activities for young people, and work placement schemes for ex-offenders.
The current High Sheriff of Essex, Julie Fosh, has seen first-hand the dedication of volunteers and community organisations working to make Essex a safer place for everyone.
“The role of the High Sheriff is, in part, about recognising the important work of the charitable sector in making our communities safer places” said Julie. “I have been inspired by my visits across the county and the commitment of volunteers. The grants from the High Sheriffs’ Fund are just one way of showing thanks and appreciation, so I very much encourage groups to apply.”
The High Sheriffs’ Fund is one of many charitable funds managed by ECF that support local people and communities. Through its partnerships with successive High Sheriffs, ECF ensures that funding is directed where it can have the greatest impact.
Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Policy and Programmes at ECF, said:
“We are pleased to work with successive High Sheriffs to ensure that the money from the Fund tackles important issues at a local level. We also have other charitable funds that can support community safety initiatives, so please contact our grants team for advice on making an application.”
To Apply
The deadline for applications is 1st of December 2025, and the panel will meet to review submissions in February 2025.
The Fund is open to any project or group across Essex with focuses linked to community safety.
To apply, Click here and select High Sheriff’s Fund from the dropdown menu.
You can also call the Grants Team on 01245 355947 for more information. We always recommend getting in touch first to ensure you have the right guidance before submitting your application
Essex Charities Supporting Mental Health Recovery
10th October 2025
- 4 to 10% of people in Essex will experience mental illness in their lifetime.
- Mixed anxiety and depression have been estimated to cause one fifth of days lost from work in the UK. One of the major causes of social isolation today.
- High rates of suicide exist currently in our local community and in some areas above the national average.
How Essex Charities are supporting recovery through employment
Mental wellbeing in the workplace is becoming an increasingly important concern for employers, as part of their responsibilities towards their staff.
Businesses are not only being asked to recognise the importance of mental health but are also being encouraged to actively support it.
Stress, anxiety and loneliness are among the top causes of long-term sick leave and the economic and human cost of untreated mental ill health is becoming ever more apparent.
In Essex local charities, with vital financial backing from the Coombewood Amenity Fund, are providing life-changing support to those facing mental health challenges, helping them to return to meaningful employment.
The independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF), has been responsible for overseeing the Coombewood Amenity Fund since 2003, giving grants to local charities working with people who are struggling with their mental health.
The grants help organisations to provide training, education and personal development programmes, equipping people with the confidence and skills they need to take positive steps toward employment.
The origins of the fund date back to 1971 when Essex County Council established the Coombewood Centre in response to the need for structured employment opportunities for those experiencing mental health difficulties.
At the time, the centre operated as a sheltered workshop where people could become involved by producing leather goods. A proportion of income from the sale of these goods went into the newly established Coombewood Amenity Fund. Its purpose was clear, to provide practical help to people with mental health problems and support them in finding sustainable employment.
Although changes in government policy in the early 2000s altered how employment support was delivered, the core mission of Coombewood lived on. In 2002, the centre became a broader Resource Centre to meet the diverse and evolving needs of its clients. Recognising the enduring importance of employment to recovery and wellbeing, former clients and staff expressed a strong desire to see the Coombewood Amenity Fund continue.
With Essex County Council’s endorsement, the Fund’s administration was transferred to ECF the following year, ensuring its long-term future.
Today, the Coombewood Amenity Fund stands as a beacon of community resilience and support and, with an invested value of nearly £210,000, it has awarded over £225,000 in grants to charities across Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Rochford, Southend, and Thurrock. These grants have helped countless individuals regain confidence, build new skills, and ultimately, re-enter the workforce.
The charities supported by the Fund are not just offering courses or training, they are restoring lives. By focusing on personal development, emotional resilience, and employability, they help people move from isolation and despair to independence and hope.
Where Community Meets Mental Health
Essex-based charity, Trust Links, has received support from the Coombewood Amenity Fund. It offers therapeutic gardening, recovery classes, social activities, employability support, training, environmental workshops and more to around 4,000 people per year from sites in Southend, Castle Point, Rochford, Braintree and Basildon.
“Mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum,” says Matt King, CEO of Trust Links. “It’s tied to work, relationships, identity, and community. That’s why our approach is holistic, connecting people not just to services, but to purpose.”
Trust Links’ Growing Together projects are particularly impactful, blending environmental engagement with skill-building and mental
restoration. Participants often report increased confidence, improved wellbeing, and, in many cases, a route back into volunteering or employment.
Importantly, Trust Links is also working directly with employers, providing Mental Health First Aid and Suicide First Aid accredited training as well as wellbeing workshops and partnerships that help businesses support staff through mental health challenges.
“We want to help businesses move beyond awareness to action,” says Matt. “Because healthy employees aren’t just happier, they’re more productive, creative, and loyal.”
Mill Race Foundation is a small charity based in Chelmsford that helps people who suffer mental or physical health problems with their recovery and rehabilitation. They received £7,250 from the Coombewood Amenity Fund to help them deliver educational and work
-based activities in furniture repair, upcycling, restoration, and recognised qualifications in cabinet making, French polishing and upholstery, all in a therapeutic setting.
New Life Wood received £8,565 to deliver woodwork skills training, general wellbeing and support to vulnerable adults based in the Basildon area. By offering placement opportunities New Life Wood helps them to learn carpentry skills, gain confidence and have a pathway to a meaningful life.
To find out how your business can support local charities through Essex Community Foundation, contact Perry Norton, Head of Development on 01245 355947 or email perry@essexcf.org.uk
Building a Family Legacy with Fundbuilder: Gail’s Story
22nd September 2025
Gail Cunningham, ECF Trustee, and her family are passionate advocates for local philanthropy. Two years ago, Gail and her husband Manish Nandha began building their Nandha Family Fund through our Fundbuilder programme. We sat down with Gail to explore what drew them to this approach to giving.
For Gail, Fundbuilder offered a more strategic approach to giving. “You can be a bit scattergun in your giving… but we wanted to be a little bit more strategic. We know ECF as an organisation really well and ECF are great at keeping you updated, so we really understand where our money is going.”
The scheme has also helped foster a deeper family connection to philanthropy. “It’s a great way to let the kids know about the local community needs… beyond volunteering and litter picking. It’s great for them to understand that we as a family think that’s important.”
Fundbuilder’s flexibility and long-term vision were also key factors in Gail’s decision to start with fundbuilder. “It gives you a chance to say, well I’ll just get started now… and then build that into your own fund at whatever point you want to” Gail adds, “It’s a really innovative solution, super easy in terms of the admin, but you know you’re building something bigger.”
The family was thrilled to see their contributions already making a difference. “The first grant went to 3food4u and my husband got the chance to meet them at the summer party event. That was brilliant.”
Looking ahead, Gail sees Fundbuilder as a way to create a lasting legacy. “It’s nice to have that kind of living legacy… hopefully in the future our children can be making donations as well as building on the family fund.”
Her advice to others interested in philanthropy but waiting till they have the resources “Check out Fundbuilder and just get started.”
Want to find more out about Fundbuilder click here to learn more about the programme.
Still want to know more? Contact Perry Norton, Head of Fund Development, on 07495 548383 to discuss Fundbuilder further.
Rainbow Services Helping Charities Thrive In Harlow
For more than two decades, Rainbow Services has been a lifeline in Harlow – championing people, supporting charities, and driving change to tackle disadvantage, deprivation, and social exclusion.
Since 1999, the charity has delivered imaginative projects that bring people together, create opportunities, and strengthen the town’s sense of community. Along the way, Rainbow Services has received nearly £400,000 in grants from Essex Community Foundation (ECF), funding that has played a vital role in helping the charity thrive and grow.
Sharon Summerfield, CEO at Rainbow Services, said: “The support we have received from Essex Community Foundation has enabled us to keep expanding our mission to alleviate poverty, disadvantage, and social exclusion, ensuring that no one in Harlow is left behind. Their funding has helped us adapt to new challenges while continuing to deliver projects that bring real and lasting change to our community.”
ECF’s partnership with Rainbow Services has enabled the charity to deliver life-changing projects, including:
- £5,360 to extend a recycling workshop for young people at risk of exclusion from school.
- £4,158 to purchase new machinery and equipment for a recycling workshop
- £9,580 to continue running the Rainbow Family Contact Centre, which helps separated families maintain positive relationships with their children.
Rainbow Services’ reach is wide and varied, touching the lives of residents of all ages. Their projects include:
The Community Builder Project – reducing isolation by supporting older residents to create social clubs, enjoy day trips, and access health and wellbeing services.
The Community Hub – a partnership with Citizens Advice Harlow and Harlow Foodbank, offering practical support for those in crisis alongside volunteering opportunities, energy advice, and health checks.
Support for Local Groups – free advice and guidance for not-for-profit organisations, helping small grassroots groups grow and established charities thrive.
Youth Project – re-engaging young people through hands-on carpentry training, accredited qualifications, and mentoring to inspire brighter futures
Our Health Matters – connecting residents to essential healthcare and empowering them to make positive changes to their lives.
Place Partnership Expansion – an exciting programme launched by Sport England to revitalise local communities through physical activity, movement and sport.
Frankie Webb-Huseyin ECF Grants Officer after a recent visit to Rainbow Services said “Rainbow Services is a clear example of good hyper-local support and service provision. They work collaboratively with other local organisations within Harlow and across West Essex to provide the services most needed by their community.”
As Rainbow Services looks to the future, its vision remains clear: to keep working for change in Harlow by building stronger connections, sharing resources, and finding better ways to support local people and organisations.