Charities based in Essex are being encouraged to apply now for financial support worth up to £5,000 from a fund to help keep their services and projects running.

The Essex Fund, which is managed by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation, was set up by Essex County Council in 2000 to provide annual support to the voluntary and community sector in the county. Since it was established, the fund has given out nearly £1.5 million in grants.

Organisations and projects that help unpaid carers, improve the environment or engage people in environmental projects, provide a community resource or activities that help young people, including arts, culture and heritage projects, are all eligible for consideration.

Groups can apply for up to £5,000 towards their core and operating expenditure, project costs or capital items. 

Cllr Eddie Johnson, Chairman of Essex County Council, said: “We know that the current cost-of-living and rising energy bills are having a significant impact on local charities. We encourage them to contact ECF to talk about their funding needs to continue their vital work supporting people in need in our local communities.”

Charitable activities that have received funding in previous years include interactive musical performances in care homes, mental health support for young people, and woodland well-being sessions for children with Down syndrome.

Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF, said: “We are pleased to manage the Essex Fund and work with the decision-making panel at the council to get funding to where it is needed most.

“The panel are particularly interested in supporting smaller voluntary organisations and projects that are working in areas of deprivation where there is a lack of facilities.

“There is a short application form on our website and our grants team are on hand to help on 01245 355947 if you have any questions or want to discuss an idea. You can also contact us through our website or via social media.”

The deadline to apply to the Essex Fund is 5pm on Friday, March 3 2023. Visit www.essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk for further information.