Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund
Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund: Open for 2026 Applications
National Highways has launched the £1.9 million Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund to support local charities and community groups in Essex, Havering, and Thurrock. Grants of up to £10,000 are available to organisations working to improve the lives of people in communities near the Lower Thames Crossing, a major new road linking Essex and Kent via a tunnel beneath the River Thames.
ECF is independently managing applications to the Community Fund for projects taking place north of the River Thames. As construction of the new road and tunnel begins, the fund offers a valuable opportunity for local organisations to secure investment that will make a lasting difference in their communities.
In 2023, the Lower Thames Crossing ran a pilot Community Fund, awarding £250,000 in grants of up to £10,000 to local projects. The pilot helped shape the design and delivery of the construction-phase Community Fund and was funded through National Highways’ Designated Funds.
“We’re delighted to support the Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund, giving local charities and community groups the opportunity to deliver projects that make a real difference. The 2023 pilot showed how much impact targeted, local investment can have, and we’re excited to see new projects bring positive change and lasting benefits for people across Essex, Havering and Thurrock.” – Zoe Brampton, Grants Manager, Essex Community Foundation
Available Funding
During construction, £1.89 million will be available through the Community Fund, awarded in seven annual tranches.
- Grants of up to £10,000 are available
- If your overall project costs exceed the grant, you must explain how the remaining costs will be funded
Areas Covered
The fund supports organisations working to benefit residents in the following areas:
- Thurrock
- Havering
- Brentwood
Note: ECF manages projects north of the River Thames. Projects south of the river should apply via the Kent Community Fund.
Who / What Can Be Funded
- Voluntary and community organisations, registered charities, social enterprises, not-for-profit organisations and parish councils.
- Core, project or small capital costs.
- You will also benefit from reading our help and guidance on our website.
Priority Areas
Your application must support work in one of the following priority areas:
- Supporting mental health and wellbeing
- Developing local skills and employment opportunities
- Bringing local communities together
- Community-led environmental projects
For a full list of the priority areas and detail on the application process please read the LTC Community Fund application guidelines document below.
LTC Community Fund – Application Guidelines 2026
Application Process
The deadline to apply for this funding is 30 March 2026, 5pm.
To apply, you will need to complete an online application form, which can be found here.
If you have any difficulties with completing an online application, then please contact the grants team and we can arrange an alternative way to submit your application.
Final decisions will be shared with applicants in May 2026, following the panel meeting.
For further information on the Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund, click here.
We would be happy to talk through your funding needs before you submit an application – please book a call with the Grants Team or call us on 01245 355947 if you have any questions.