Essex County Council have launched their Community Challenge Fund as a simple way for individuals, groups, charities or social enterprises to access money to make a real difference in their community.
Grants of £300 to £5,000 are available to fund a new, not for profit scheme, group, initiative or idea in rural areas of the Braintree district.
Examples of how the grant could be used include:
training and equipment to share skills and create training opportunities
printing for a local event or newsletter
hosting and promoting an online magazine for young people
setting up a local community seed exchange
providing taxi or licensed hire vehicles to bring isolated residents together
setting up a clothes swap in a community hall.