Braintree district community groups and charities invited to apply for funding

A fund which has provided more than £1 million to support Braintree district residents and communities is open for applications.

Community groups and charities can apply for a share of the £80,000 available this year from the Braintree District and Eastlight Community Fund.

Managed by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF), and set up by Braintree District Council and Eastlight Community Homes, the Fund has awarded more than £1 million to local causes since 2015.

The fund supports causes which tackle the big issues affecting residents the most, including the cost-of-living, loneliness and isolation, emotional health and wellbeing and the lack of opportunities for young people.

Applications are welcomed from charities, residents’ groups, social enterprises and other non-profit organisations.

Grants of between £500 and £2,500 are available for smaller scale grassroots projects, alongside larger awards of up to £30,000 over three years.

Joanne Jackson, Resident Engagement Officer at Eastlight, said: “This fund is here to support the brilliant work done by local charities and organisations.

“Whether it’s a new or existing project, we want to hear from you if you need a grant to continue improving the lives of people in our communities.”

Mary Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities at Braintree District Council, said: “These grants have helped fund many exciting projects throughout the district, and I’d encourage any local community groups or organisations to apply for a grant to help them continue or expand their important and essential work.”

Zoe Brampton, Grants Manager at ECF said “It is a challenging time for local charities, and this fund is a great opportunity for groups in Braintree District to think about their priorities and what they may need financial help with over the coming months or years. We urge them to get in touch with us to discuss their ideas.”

Organisations supported by last year’s fund include Halstead Community Shed, which received £20,000 to support the creation of a health and wellbeing hub; Heads2Minds, which also received £20,000 to delivery emotional wellbeing workshops in primary schools, and Home-Start, which received £26,000 to help fund a family wellbeing group.

For more information and to apply, please visit www.essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk, email grants@essexcf.org.uk or call the ECF team on 01245 355947. Deadline to apply is Monday, 19 August 2024.