Grant / Funding Available
If you are looking for a grant for a community, voluntary or charity group project, below are contact details for some of the key organisations which provide funding.
If you need help writing a successful funding application, please see our help and advice section here https://rravs.org.uk/funding-advice/
1. Communities
Rayleigh Town Council – awards grants to local charities and community organisations which benefit residents of Rayleigh. The deadline for the grant applications to be received by the Town Council office is 31st October 2025. The application form is available here
The maximum value for an application is £850
Barchester Group – https://www.bhcfoundation.org.uk
Essex Community Foundation – General Grants The Foundation awards grants to voluntary or community groups and charitable organisations that are working for the benefit of people in Essex, Southend or Thurrock https://www.essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk
Tesco Stronger Starts provides grants for up to £2,000 for projects which bring benefit to the local community https://tescostrongerstarts.org.uk/
Maureen’s Gift (Sanctuary Housing) – Grants up to £500 for projects that benefit residents across the Rochford District Council area email getinvolved@sanctuary-housing.co.uk or call Chris Silvey 0800 131 3348 / 0300 123 3511. https://www.sanctuary.co.uk/rochford-district
National Lottery Community Fund – a variety of grants are available depending on the size of the project. Under £10k and over £10k
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding
Essex Association of Local Councils – EALC are currently offering grant for projects providing food support to benefit communities. For further information email funding@ealc.gov.uk
https://ealc.gov.uk/food-support-fund/
2. Arts & Heritage
Essex County Council – Two new funds supporting the county’s art, culture and creative sectors have been announced. The Creative Industries Development Fund and The Cultural Development Projects Fund will help to grow and support local talent and the county’s creative industries.
The Creative Industries Development Project Fund will offer grants between £2,500 and £30,000 per annum. Businesses and organisations within the creative industries can apply. These industries include:
- advertising
- architecture
- crafts
- design and designer fashion
- film
- TV
- radio
- photography
- publishing
- IT, software and computer services, including video games
Both funds will be open from Monday 15 September until Friday 31 October 2025. For more information about either fund or to apply visit: https://culture-essex.co.uk/funding/
Arts Council England – Grants for arts activities that benefit people in England or that help artists and arts organisations to carry out their work. Supported aims of the programme include helping more people to take part in the arts and helping the development of artists, arts organisations and the creative economy.
https://www.artscouncil.org.uk
Heritage Lottery Fund – Heritage Grants fund projects relating to the national, regional or local heritage of the UK which aim to conserve and enhance diverse heritage and/or encourage more people to be involved in their heritage. https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/
3. Health and Disability
Comic Relief – Grants are available for projects based on the following themes -: Better Futures, Healthier Finances, Safer Lives and Fairer Society. Grants of over £10,000 are available. CURRENTLY NO LIVE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
https://www.comicrelief.com
Parkinsons UK – Physical Activity Grants: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/grants-physical-activity-providers
4. Young People
The Kings Trust – NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE BUT OTHER FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES ARE LISTED AT THE LINK BELOW.
https://www.kingstrust.org.uk/how-we-can-help/who-else/employment/grants-funding/community-projects
BBC Children in Need – several schemes are available including the emergency essentials funding for young people facing extremely difficult circumstances.
https://www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/grants/
5. Sports
Sport England – Small Grants Programme – The Sport England Small Grants Programme has been set up to support local community sport projects that seek to increase participation, sustain participation or develop opportunities for people to excel at their chosen sport.
Movement Fund: https://www.sportengland.org/funding-and-campaigns/our-funding
