Up to £2,000 of funding could be up for grabs for charities across Essex, thanks to a community initiative by Essex & Suffolk Water.
The water company’s partnership with Essex Community Foundation is making a last call for new project applications, as the deadline of the current round of funding on Monday October 17, 2022 rapidly approaches.
Since forming the long-standing partnership with the Essex Community Foundation to deliver project grants in 2003, over 150 community projects have been supported by the fund and more than £134,000 donated to good causes.
Essex & Suffolk Water’s Partnerships Manager, Ross Smith, said: “A big part of our purpose is meeting the needs of our local communities and we’re really proud to work with the Essex Community Foundation to help good causes.
“We support our communities in many ways – from gifting time and expertise through our employee volunteering programme, to donating cash and equipment to support a range of projects.
“We want to help as many deserving causes as possible through our partnership with the Essex Community Foundation, so if you’re a local, registered charitable cause looking for support then we’d welcome an application from you.”
So far this year, grants have been awarded through the fund to Havering Volunteer Centre to support a volunteer recruitment campaign in Havering. Abigail’s Footsteps was also awarded crucial funds to provide specialist baby loss counselling sessions to bereaved parents referred from Southend University Hospital.
Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at Essex Community Foundation said, “Support for local communities has always been part of Essex & Suffolk Water’s ethos and we are pleased to partner with them to ensure that the funding they give makes a difference.
“Since they set up their community fund with us nearly 20 years ago, 152 grants totalling £135,000 have been awarded to voluntary and community organisations working in Essex & Suffolk Water’s supply areas. Grants have supported a wide range of projects contributing to the environment, health and wellbeing of local people, and community support initiatives.
“As the fund is invested, we award grants every year and we look forward to building on all that has been achieved so far, and supporting more local charities and voluntary groups that are in need of help.”
All applications for grants between £1,000 to £2,000 will be considered, however, the utility company will prioritise projects that set out to improve the health, education and environment of the community.
The deadline for the current round of funding is Monday October 17, 2022.
Projects can also be supported by the company’s ‘Just an Hour’ employee volunteering programme to give causes a helping hand.
All applications will be carefully considered and successful bids chosen by the company’s volunteer panel. Please visit Essex Community Foundation’s website to apply for a community grant from Essex & Suffolk Water here.