THE Essex Community Initiatives Fund is now open and offering grants up to £10,000.

Voluntary organisations, community groups, residents’ associations and Town and Parish Councils can now apply for grants through the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF).

The fund, which is now open, aims to help strengthen local communities and make Essex an even better place to live, work and visit. In recent years, the fund has supported projects such as:

upgrades to sports facilities
improvements to community buildings such as new heating systems or accessible toilets
transport
staff costs for projects or maintenance
IT systems or support
cultural events and activities
For 2024, two kinds of grants are available:

£300,000 of the fund is available for projects that benefit the wider community and demonstrate a real community need. Grants between £1,000 and £10,000 from this pot will be available. Organisations can apply online at Community Initiative Fund (CIF) – Essex Association of Local Councils (ealc.gov.uk) The closing date is 18 October 2024.

£50,000 of the fund is available for grassroots groups up to £1,000 micro grants. These grants could help reduce social isolation, improve wellbeing or encourage communities to connect. They could also support organisations to build and develop their capabilities and skills. Groups can apply online at Micro

Grant Fund – Essex Association of Local Councils (ealc.gov.uk) Applications to the micro grants fund will remain open until all funds are used.
Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Levelling Up, Communities and Business Engagement, said: “The fund has made a real difference to many local communities across Essex since its launch. This is because local groups and organisations know what their communities want and need.

“Improving local spaces is so important and can help communities thrive. I would encourage those eligible to apply and share details of the fund among their local community.”

Applications can be made by:

constituted clubs or membership organisations
community groups and voluntary organisations, residents associations, constituted neighbourhood committees and management committees
charities and trusts
social enterprises
community interest companies [CIC’s]
community benefit societies
Town and Parish Councils
The fund is administered by Essex Association of Local Councils on behalf of the council.