Whether you have a few hours a week to spare or just want to explore what options are available, our team will be on hand to chat through local volunteering opportunities with roles to suit every interest, skill set, and schedule.

No need to book, simply drop by and find out more about how you can make a meaningful difference.
More info: volunteers@rravs.org.uk 

Key Dates & Deadlines

• Applications Opened: Monday, 12th October 2026
• Application Deadline: Friday, 27th November 2026
• Decision Notifications: Week commencing Monday, 7th December 2026
• Project Delivery Start: All funded work must begin by April 2027

Funding Amount & Criteria

• Grant Size: Grants between £3,000 and £9,999 are available.
• Match Funding: Projects should show an element of match funding (cash contributions or non-cash/volunteer time).
• Permissions: If applying for physical capital improvements, organisations must own the asset or hold a lease with at least 5 years remaining, and have all planning permissions in place.

Who Can Apply?
Applications cannot be accepted from individuals, sole traders, or commercial for-profit organisations.
Applications are welcome from:

• Formally constituted clubs, associations, or trusts
• Registered Charities & CASCs
• Community Interest Companies (CICs) & Social Enterprises
• Not-for-profit companies limited by guarantee
• Local Authorities

How to Apply
Before submitting your application, you are strongly encouraged to contact your local Relationship Manager to discuss your project idea.

• Read the full guidance & criteria: Active Essex Places and Spaces Fund
• Submit your online application: Find Your Active Application Portal

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform local spaces and support inactive groups in our area! Get your application in before 27th November 2026.

What will the training cover?

• Background: An overview of CONTEST, The Prevent Duty, an understanding of Terrorism legislation and the current national picture. ·
• Ideologies: What is meant by an extremist ideology, antisemitism and an overview of the ideologies behind and some of the symbols used by Islamist Extremists, Far Right Extremists and Emerging/Other Ideologies (Left-Wing, Anarchist & Single Issue, Incel, Fascination With Extreme Violence Or Mass Casualty Attacks, The Com Network).
• Understanding Radicalisation: Four stages of radicalisation, influencing factors, what to look out for, online radicalisation, the ‘notice check share procedure’ and what happens when someone is referred to Prevent.
• ACT Early: An introduction to ACT Early, outlining the support available, how it can assist you, and the appropriate channels for making contact.

When?
Wednesday 27th January, 10:00-12:00
Tuesday 27th April, 10:00-12:00
Where?
MS Teams
Registration is really simple, just fill out the following form Preventing Radicalisation – Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations  – Fill in form

What’s Available?
Year-Round Funding: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, matching your organisation’s goals with relevant charitable funds.
Specific Targeted Grants: Dedicated funding programmes open at various points throughout the year.
Individual Support: Limited funding streams are available for children and young adults facing financial barriers.

To Check Your Eligibility, Explore Current Openings or Submit an Application visit:   https://www.essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk/applying-for-support/

If you prefer to discuss your project ideas beforehand, you can live-chat on their website (9am–4pm), call 01245 355947, or Book a Time Slot to speak directly with a grants officer.

Join charity consultant Sophie Ede for an engaging, practical session designed to help you elevate your impact reporting. You’ll learn how to define and measure the outcomes that truly matter, gather meaningful evidence, and present compelling data that brings your charity’s work to life.
Walk away equipped to inspire funders, supporters, and your community with an Annual Report that not only meets the latest standards but powerfully communicates the difference you make every day.

Price per delegate is £20.00, non-refundable.  To register please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2002797785089?aff=oddtdtcreator

Key Deadlines:
Nominations Open: Thursday, 1 October 2026
Nominations Close: Monday, 14 December 2026
Awards Evening: Friday, 5 February 2027

How to Nominate & Links:
Submit nominations using the online form: Rochford District Citizen of the Year Award Nomination form

Contact Information:
To request a hard copy nomination form or for queries regarding the awards, contact the Civic Officer:

Email: civic.officer@rochford.gov.uk
Website: rochford.gov.uk

Gavin Benn, Director of Partnerships & Programmes at ECF, said:
“We are proud of our longstanding partnership with the High Sheriff of Essex, which enables us to support local organisations working to address community safety issues across the county. Through the High Sheriff’s Fund, we can invest in projects that make a real difference, helping people feel safer, more supported and better connected within their communities.”

Grants of up to £5,000 are available to support organisations working across Essex, Southend and Thurrock for a wide range of work and projects. These include efforts focused on crime prevention, rehabilitation, and working to improve community safety.

Please see the full press release here for more information.  The deadline for applications is 16 November 2026, and the panel will meet to review submissions in February 2027.   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

Who Can Apply?
Eligible Groups: Registered charities (e.g., community centres, village halls, youth clubs, SEN facilities, shelters, warm hubs).
Requirements: Must own the property or hold a lease with at least 3 years remaining, and have at least one set of filed accounts.

Key Project Focus
Upgrading, renovating, or revitalizing indoor/outdoor community spaces.
Improving accessibility, security, or fixed equipment (e.g., boilers, ramps, playground equipment).

Deadlines & Timelines
Deadline: No fixed deadline — applications are accepted continuously and processed on a rolling monthly basis.
Turnaround: Decisions are typically delivered within 8 weeks of applying.

Ready to transform your community space? Read the Connecting Communities Grant Policy and submit your application via the Morrisons Foundation Portal

The awards celebrate athletes, coaches, volunteers, schools, employers, and partners who work tirelessly to create healthier, happier, and more connected communities. More than an awards night, the event showcases the power of physical activity in boosting mental and physical health, strengthening local partnerships, and inspiring even more residents to get active.

The awards are a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on the individuals, clubs, schools, organisations, projects and employers helping people across Greater Essex to lead more active, healthy and connected lives.

See the categories and make your nominations here – Please note that nominations close at midnight on 30^th September.

Grant Amounts

Air/Ground/Water Source Heat Pumps: £7,500
Off-Gas Grid Uplift: £9,000 for eligible oil/LPG homes
Biomass Boilers: £5,000 (rural, off-gas properties only)

Eligibility
You must own the property (including second homes, business premises, and private lets) and have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Standard new-builds and social housing are excluded, but self-builds qualify.

Key Deadlines
Commissioning Rule: The installer must apply for the voucher within 120 days of commissioning the heat pump.
Installation Window: Once approved, installers have 3 months to complete air source heat pumps and 6 months for ground source heat pumps.
Off-Gas Uplift Window: The £9,000 grant rate applies to applications submitted up to 31 March 2027.
Scheme Expiry: The overall scheme runs until 31 December 2027.

Applications are installer-led; an MCS certified installer applies via Ofgem and deducts the grant directly from your invoice.

More information: https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme/check-if-youre-eligible