26 Oct #Essex: High Sheriff invites applications for grants
Local voluntary and community organisations are encouraged to apply for grants from the High Sheriff of Essex Awards Scheme.
Grants of up to £1,000 are available from the High Sheriffs’ Fund, which is managed by Essex Community Foundation (ECF) and the money will be awarded to groups working to make their communities safer.
The High Sheriff’s Awards Scheme also gives recognition to individuals who have gone above and beyond to make their area a safer place to live and work.
Projects which have received grants previously include garden maintenance schemes for elderly residents to reduce incidence of burglary, anti-social behaviour reduction initiatives, women’s refuge organisations and neighbourhood watch schemes.
The deadline date for applications and nominations is 1 December, so now is the time for organisations to take up the opportunity to apply for a grant.
High Sheriff of Essex, Lorna Rolfe said: “The annual High Sheriffs’ Awards provide a fantastic opportunity to recognise the valuable contribution that voluntary organisations make in keeping their local communities safe from crime. I urge organisations to recognise this opportunity and apply for funding so they can further bolster their efforts.”
An independent panel of judges, chaired by the High Sheriff and including past High Sheriffs, will review the applications and the awards will be presented by the High Sheriff at a ceremony in March 2017.
The historic role of a High Sheriff is to promote law and order in the county and it also now encompasses giving recognition and reward to those who help promote community spirit.
Since it came under ECF’s management in 1997, the High Sheriff’s Fund has distributed 559 grants totalling more than £458,000 to voluntary and community organisations which are all dedicated to addressing crime related issues in their area and supporting local people.
Caroline Taylor, chief executive of ECF said, “The High Sheriffs’ Fund is a treasured financial resource to the Essex voluntary sector. ECF is delighted to manage the endowed fund and work with successive High Sheriffs, helping them to direct funding where it is most needed and tackle important issues at a local level.”
The closing date for grant applications from this year’s High Sheriffs’ Fund is 1 December 2016. To apply visit www.essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk or call the grants team on 01245 356018.
