£350,000 is available to Individuals, voluntary organisations, community groups and Town and Parish Councils for projects which build communities and make Essex a great place to live and work.
The Essex Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) 2022-23 is now open for applications.
The fund is administered by Essex Association of Local Councils on behalf of Essex County Council.
This year £300,000 is allocated to the main CIF round with grants of up to £10,000 available to support projects that benefit the wider community and demonstrate a real community need. These projects may be new amenities, equipment, new local services or cultural initiatives all of which contribute towards strengthening communities.
The deadline for full applications to the main CIF round this year is 19 August 2022.
You can apply to the fund here – https://www.ealc.gov.uk/community-initiative-fund/
On top of this, the fund operates a £50,000 Micro Grant Community Chest Fund with grants of up to £500 available to help grassroots groups reduce social isolation, improve wellbeing or help communities connect.
Applications to the micro grants fund can be made on a rolling basis until all funds are used.
You can apply to the Micro Grant Community Chest Fund here – https://www.ealc.gov.uk/micro-grant-fund/
Cllr Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Equality, Partnerships and Performance, said: “Essex County Council is pleased to support the Essex Community Initiatives Fund, as it aligns with our levelling up priorities and plans.
"Local groups and voluntary organisations are well placed to understand the needs and opportunities of their areas. So I would urge people to come forward to apply for funding for projects to boost and support their local community.”
There are two levels of grant:
- Grants up to £10,000 towards capital or revenue projects that benefit the wider community
Micro grants up to £500 to help grassroots groups reduce social isolation, improve wellbeing or help communities connect.
