This event is designed to bring together funders and community organisations from across our local area. We know that many local organisations are doing outstanding work but can often feel underrepresented when it comes to accessing funding opportunities.

The fair will provide a valuable opportunity to:

• Meet funders face-to-face
• Learn about current and upcoming funding opportunities
• Gain practical advice on strengthening funding applications
• Build connections across the local voluntary and community sector

Funders exhibiting include:

• National Lottery Heritage Fund
• Fowler, Smith & Jones Trust
• Shared Space Boost Fund
• Community Investment Board
• People’s Postcode Lottery / Trusts
• Historic England
• National Lottery Community Fund
  …and more!

Whether you are a small grassroots group or a more established organisation, we would be delighted for you to join us. Feel free to pass the event link to further organisations!

Please order your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/local-community-funding-fair-tickets-1986526831228?aff=oddtdtcreator

This course covers the role of the first aider, CPR, use of a defibrillator, choking, caring for an unconscious person, shock, seizures, bleeding, burns, scalds etc. It is all classroom based and is equivalent to a level 2 qualification.  You will receive a certificate at the end of the course.

First come, first served.  Price is £50.00 per delegate, non refundable however the name of the delegate can be changed.

Please email for further information or alternatively click on the date below to book a space.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981702062214?aff=oddtdtcreator

If so, they are looking to support locally led projects up to the value of £10,000.

A project that will :-

• Benefit local people in our community
• Demonstrate that its deliverable within the awarded grant.
• Demonstrate how it will be delivered.

COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION BY 12th MAY 2026

Online application https://rayleighlionsclub.org.uk/grantform/or download the form below.

Send any queries via this link: https://rayleighlionsclub.org.uk/grant-query/

Full details: https://rayleighlionsclub.org.uk/grant2026/

Rayleigh Lions will evaluate all entries by 24 June 2026.  Shortlisted entries may then be invited to present bids.  Any successful bid / bids will be announced by mid August 2026.

GOOD LUCK!

Residents and organisations across the district can apply for grants of £2,000 to £5,000 for not‑for‑profit projects that enhance wellbeing and improve quality of life in Rochford.

To be eligible, projects must:

• Benefit Rochford communities and be delivered within the district
• Demonstrate community involvement in their design and delivery
• Show sustainability and long-term value
• Support the Council’s community, health and environmental priorities and align with the Castle Point and Rochford Health and Wellbeing Strategy

Councillor Mike Webb, Rochford District Council’s Chair of the Communities, Wellbeing & Housing Committee said “We are incredibly proud to support projects that strengthen community spirit and improve the lives of people across the district. The Community Fund offers a valuable opportunity for local groups to turn great ideas into meaningful action, and I look forward to seeing the positive initiatives that emerge this year.”

Applications close on Friday 31 July 2026. Full eligibility criteria and application guidance are available at www.rochford.gov.uk/funding.

For more information, contact the Community Services Department on 01702 546366 or email funding@brentwood.rochford.gov.uk.

To register for any of these workshops please visit https://bit.ly/4rQEsWM

For any other information please call 07809 331153 or email: ecodays@trustlinks.org

Community groups, charities, schools and other local organisations can apply for grants of £500 to £2,000 to support nature-based projects that contribute to local nature recovery and community wellbeing.

Find out more: https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/waste-environment/essex-lnp-community-fund-2025-application-form/

Third Sector Trends has been surveying the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector every three years since 2010. In 2025, 8,680 responses were received across England and Wales. This is the only large-scale and fully representative longitudinal national survey in the UK which can produce robust and detailed comparative analysis at regional and national level.

The project is funded in 2025-26 by Community Foundation North East, Lloyds Bank Foundation England and Wales, Wales Council for Voluntary Action and Millfield House Foundation. This is the third of five national reports from Third Sector Trends in England and Wales 2025.

Download the full media release below

SORP sets out:

• How to structure the trustees’ annual report, including objectives, activities, achievements, governance, and public benefit.
• How to prepare the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA), which shows all income, expenditure, gains, and losses in one place.
• How to present the balance sheet, including the classification of assets, liabilities, and funds.
• Rules for recognising and measuring income, such as donations, grants, legacies, and trading.
• Fund accounting requirements, distinguishing unrestricted, restricted, and endowment funds.
• Disclosure expectations, covering related parties, remuneration, reserves, risks, and key policies.

SORP is issued by the UK’s charity regulators and is aligned with FRS 102 (or FRS 105 for micro entities). Most charities preparing accruals accounts must follow it, making it central to good governance and regulatory compliance.

Come and join us as we welcome our trainer, Sophie Ede, who will be offering guidance and advice on SORP.

The price is £10.00 per delegate (non-refundable, but names can be changed).

We look forward to seeing you then.

To register your place CLICK HERE

More info: https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/equalities-and-partnership/essexjhws-2026-29/
Consultation: https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/equalities-and-partnership/essexjhws-2026-29/consultation/intro/

The consultation closes on 10 February 2026, so please take a few minutes today to make your voice heard.