Apply for a major grant
Major grants can be over £15,000 with no upper limit.
Funding can be for a maximum of two years. Projects need to show:
- a level of sustainability
- an evaluation process reflective of the level of funding requested
- a clear exit plan
These grants are not available in Southend or Thurrock.
How to express your interest
Applications are made in a two-stage process, with initial expressions of interest followed by a formal application process.
View the assessment criteria for initial expressions of interest (PDF, 103.19 KB).
View the assessment criteria for formal applications (PF, 110.65 KB).
Applications must be submitted before the start of any project activities or project expenditure. We cannot fund any project expenditure retrospectively. Any expenditure incurred on the project before receipt of a grant offer letter is at the risk of the lead applicant organisation.
We can accept more than one application from an organisation. Each application must represent a different project.
We will not consider applications for projects which we have previously rejected.
There are three opportunities to make an expression of interest. Applications outside of these dates will not be considered.
Round one is now closed.
Round two is now closed.
Round three is now closed.
What happens next
After you've submitted an Expression of Interest, you will receive a confirmation email.
We'll invite successful organisations to formally apply for funding using the major grants application form.
When to make a formal application
For Expressions of Interest invited to second stage, there are currently three opportunities to make the formal application.
Round one is now closed.
Round two is now closed.
Round three opens Monday 10 June 2024 with a deadline of 5pm on Friday 2 August 2024.
If you submit a formal application, you'll receive a confirmation email containing a bid number.
Grant application decision panels meet three times a year. Applicants will be notified about the panel’s decision as soon as possible.