£10,000 grant available for charity and voluntary organisations

Throughout October and November, charity and voluntary groups in Chelmsford can apply for up to £10,000 of revenue funding from the Discretionary Fund Grant. The scheme’s focus is on supporting ‘vulnerable people’ living in Chelmsford through small grants to non-profit organisations.

Applying for Chelmsford’s Discretionary Fund Grant

The Discretionary Fund Grant is a scheme that only opens once a year. Eligible organisations can apply throughout October and November, and the scheme will close on 30 November.

Organisations will be required to supply 50% of matched funding from other funding sources. The money can only be spent on revenue costs. Revenue costs are ongoing costs incurred to run an asset or to provide a service.

The up-to-£10,000 grant is intended for Chelmsford-based organisations in the non-profit sector. To be eligible for the grant, organisations are required to be working for and benefitting Chelmsford residents.

Interested organisations should apply online after reading the eligibility criteria.

Cllr Natacha Dudley, Cabinet Member for an Active Chelmsford, is keen for local charities to take up the opportunity to apply for the grant:

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“We want to ensure the people of Chelmsford, particularly the most vulnerable, are getting the support they need. Plenty of people rely on local charities and voluntary groups for day-to-day assistance. The Discretionary Fund Grant is a way for the City Council to help with the ongoing costs for providing non-profit services. This scheme is only open once a year. If a local charity or voluntary group thinks they might be eligible for the grant, then I’d really encourage them to apply and take up the opportunity to access a revenue grant of up to £10,000. Organisations have until the 30th of November to submit their application.”

Cllr Natacha Dudley, Cabinet Member for an Active Chelmsford

How funding will be allocated

Chelmsford City Council will allocate funding to projects that contribute to the themes from its Corporate Plan: 

• Fairer and inclusive
• Greener and safer place
• Healthy, active and enjoyable lives
• Connected Chelmsford

Grants will be awarded in March 2024 for use in the following financial year (April 2024 to March 2025).

The grant will not be able to fund projects that have already happened or that promote a particular religious or political belief. However, faith groups are welcome to apply if the project is for the benefit of the wider community.

Find out more about the Discretionary Fund Grant and apply any time in October and November 2023. Applications received after November will be forwarded to Chelmsford CVS who will help with signposting to alternative funding opportunities.

If applicants have any queries about the application process for this grant, they can contact the CVS by emailing cfsfunding@chelmsfordcvs.org.uk or by calling 01245 351888.