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
People’s Postcode Lottery unding round dates for 2026 are now available at https://www.postcodeplacestrust.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant
Co-op Local Community Fund supports projects in Co-op members’ communities that provide access to opportunities and resources for people to thrive. Co-op Members can choose the local cause they want to support through their membership. Each food store will choose 3 local charities. (For full terms and conditions please see website). Applications will open in Spring 2026. All organisations will receive a minimum of £1000. Click here to see our post with more information.
Barchester Group – https://www.bhcfoundation.org.uk
Essex Community Foundation – Charities and voluntary groups across administrative Essex can now apply for support from the Essex Fund, which is administered by Essex Community Foundation. Since its launch (2000), the fund has distributed over £1.5 million to voluntary and community organisations.
Organisations and projects that support unpaid carers, improve the environment or engage people in environmental projects, provide a community resource or activities that help young people, including culture and heritage participation, are all eligible for consideration. Groups can apply for up to £5,000 towards their core and running costs, project costs, or capital items.
Eligibility criteria:
- Must operate within administrative Essex under Essex County Council.
- Organisations based in Thurrock or Southend are not eligible.
- Priority is strongly given to organisations with an annual income under £200,000.
The deadline to apply is Monday 6 April 2026. The panel will review submissions at the end of May.
Please see the full press release for more information. To apply, click here, and select Essex 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 – Book a call with a member of the grants team.
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. Environment
The Essex Local Nature Partnership is pleased to announce the launch of the LNP Community Fund, a new funding opportunity designed to empower local communities to take action in Essex for nature.
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. https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/waste-environment/essex-lnp-community-fund-2025-application-form/
3. 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/
4. 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
5. 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/
6. 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