Community Initiative Fund
Applications are now closed.
The Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) is designed to help Community and Voluntary Sector organisations, groups, clubs and Parish & Town Councils improve and support their local community. For 2025-2026, the CIF will make available £200,000 to support both capital and revenue projects with grants of up to £10,000. This is for capital projects and projects that require revenue funding for new service provision (not core funding), or cultural initiatives.
The objective of the CIF is to support projects that create, procure, develop new, or enhance existing community assets – examples include community centres/shops/cafes, wildlife/nature reserves, disability facilities and village halls;
Projects that enhance or develop initiatives that strengthen a community, including cultural projects – examples include gardening clubs, age & wellbeing services, parent & educational activities, environment improvements, music & literature events, heritage projects;
Projects that develop local capability – examples include Advice/Support services, Youth clubs, Scouting Groups, Sports venues & clubs.
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Application Form
The CIF Grants will be awarded on an annual basis and the 2025/26 Panel shall sit in December 2025, with successful applicants notified by the end of February 2026.
Applications will be considered on their own merits with outcomes that deliver against Essex County Council’s strategic aims and priorities, and strong community support and need. The Panel reserve the right to use their sole discretion when assessing any grant applications for acceptance. Applications may be rejected, or grants awarded at a lesser sum than requested. The decision of the Panel upon the Awards made shall be final and not subject to appeal.
The deadline for applications is Friday 28th November 2025 at 23.59.
Guidance Notes
CIF projects should be able to demonstrate alignment to the aspirations set out within Essex County Councils ‘Everyone’s Essex’ and achieve at least one of the strategic aims and associated priorities that underpin the achievement of the ambitions to ensure Essex is a great place to live and work.
This would include for example, projects that help to promote healthy lifestyles and independence; support positive outcomes for families; and support skills development.
In addition, CIF projects must demonstrate the benefit to the wider community and that community engagement and co-production has occurred in the design and delivery of the project, demonstrating a real community need.
If you have any specific enquiries on the grant funding we offer, please contact Emma, our Funding Adminstrator at-