£10k grants available for Chelmsford charities and voluntary organisations

Charity and voluntary groups in Chelmsford can apply for grants of up to £10,000 from Chelmsford City Council’s Discretionary Fund Grant throughout March and April. The scheme’s focus is on supporting ‘vulnerable people’ living in Chelmsford through small grants to non-profit organisations.

How to check eligibility and apply

The Discretionary Fund Grant is a scheme that only opens once a year. Interested organisations can apply online up until Sunday 27 April after reading and answering the eligibility criteria. The funding 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 residents in Chelmsford district.

Previous projects supported by the grant include young carers’ clubs, community support sessions for residents with hearing loss and services for families with children with a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND) in Chelmsford.

The deadline for applications is 27 April

Grant must be spent on revenue costs

Organisations are required to supply 50% of matched funding from other sources. This shouldn’t just be an organisation’s own funds as one of the purposes of matched funding is to bring funds into the city from other sources. The grant can only be spent on revenue costs, which are the ongoing costs that have to be paid as a normal part of providing a project.

The grant will not be able to fund individuals, projects that have already happened or projects 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.

Councillor Natacha Dudley, whose portfolio as Cabinet Member for an Active Chelmsford includes voluntary sector support, says the grants can enable groups to do impressive work.

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“Many vulnerable people rely on voluntary groups and charities and there are wonderful organisations of all sizes in Chelmsford, doing fantastic work for our community. The Discretionary Fund Grant is a way for the city council to help with the ongoing costs of providing crucial non-profit services.

“If you’re an eligible Chelmsford charity or voluntary organisation, don’t forget to apply by the 27 April. This funding, which is available once a year, could make a real difference to your services and the work you do."

Cllr Natacha Dudley, Cabinet Member for an Active Chelmsford

How to find out more

You'll find more information about the Discretionary Fund Grant on the community funding scheme page of our website. You can apply online any time between now and 27 April. Applications received after this date will not be considered, but will be sent to Chelmsford CVS who will help with signposting to alternative funding opportunities.  

If you have any queries about the application process for this grant, contact Chelmsford CVS by emailing cfsfunding@chelmsfordcvs.org.uk or by calling 01245 351888. Applicants will be informed of the decision on the award of their grant in July 2025.