Braintree District Council has announced a new small grants scheme providing funding of up to £10,000 to start or enhance existing community projects that support local residents with the cost of living.
The two-tier grant scheme, launching Monday 19 February, will be offering Microgrants up to £1,000 and Small Grants up to £10,000.
The grant scheme forms part of the Council’s £1million Cost of Living Fund launched in its budget last year from the council’s New Homes Bonus allocation, a grant paid by central government to local councils that reflect and incentivise housing growth in local areas. The council has committed this into a two-year programme to tackle the issues caused by the cost-of-living crisis.
Any non-profit community groups and services can apply as long as they can evidence that the project supports one of the main objectives of the Cost-of-Living Fund, has a clear purpose and benefits Braintree district residents.
The three main objectives of the Cost-of-Living Fund are:

  • To provide food security & access to essential goods across the district making it easier for everyone to reach, including those living in our most rural areas.
  • To enable physical and emotional health and wellbeing for anyone, especially young people, struggling to afford vital access to leisure activities and sports clubs.
  • To help the most vulnerable by supporting community groups and organisations to do more.

Read more here:https://www.braintree.gov.uk/news/article/630/braintree-district-council-launch-cost-of-living-grant-scheme