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. CommunitiesÂ
High Sheriffs’ Fund – 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 deadline for applications is Monday 1 December 2025. The panel will meet review submissions in February 2025.
Common Ground Award The Common Ground Resilience Fund was launched in September to support local places, and a key part of this is promoting the important role of the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector. The grant is open to applications from VCSE organisations with a base and operating in England, with charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/common-ground-award-prospectus/common-ground-award-prospectus
Deadline for applications: 21 November 2025
The Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) is designed to help Community and Voluntary Sector organisations, groups, clubs and Parish & Town Councils improve and support their local community. For 2025-2026, the CIF will make available £200,000 to support both capital and revenue projects with grants of up to £10,000. This is for capital projects and projects that require revenue funding for new service provision (not core funding), or cultural initiatives.
Applications close Friday 28th November 2025 at 23.59
Full details: https://ealc.gov.uk/community-initiative-fund-cif/
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 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
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:Â 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:Â https://www.sportengland.org/funding-and-campaigns/our-funding