Braintree District Council launch Cost of Living grant scheme

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:

1. 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.
2. To enable physical and emotional health and wellbeing for anyone, especially young people, struggling to afford vital access to leisure activities and sports clubs. 
3. To help the most vulnerable by supporting community groups and organisations to do more.

Cllr Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council, said: “I am very pleased we are launching our Cost of Living Fund which will provide grants to community groups who are helping others through this difficult time. This money will allow them to provide valuable help and support to the Braintree District community.”

Microgrants applications are open until the funding is spent and will be assessed on an ongoing basis. Small grants applications will be open for eight weeks, closing on 15 April. Successful applicants of this grant will be announced following the closing date.

To find out more information and apply visit: https://www.braintree.gov.uk/community/cost-living-grant-scheme