£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/

Peter Davey, Chairman of the Essex Association of Local Councils, said: “The Essex Association of Local Councils is proud to have been asked to administer the grant scheme on behalf of Essex County Council.

“The Community Initiatives Fund provides vital funding for deserving organisations and their community projects, well-being initiatives and other important improvement schemes.

“The EALC has well-established links to many Essex organisations and is ideally positioned to triage applications, address the financial standing of applicants, create and administer the CIF funding panel and ensure funds are released in a timely manner to successful applicants.

“As Chairman of the CIF funding panel, I am honoured to be part of this important initiative.”

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.
Applications are invited from town and parish councils, community groups, social enterprises or individuals in the Essex County Council area (not Southend and Thurrock).
Projects should have community backing and show that they help meet a real community need. They could be to:
Create, buy or develop new community assets
Enhance existing community assets
Enhance or develop initiatives that strengthen a community, including cultural initiatives.