Find Funding for a Fun New Playground in Essex

Whether you’re ready to get on with making over your playground or need help finding the funding for it first, there are a host of organisations in Essex ready to offer their support, the biggest and best of which we’ve listed below. Any of these may be a potential source of funding for playground markings.

Once you’ve found, applied, and been accepted for a grant, we’ll be glad to act as your homegrown design and installation team. Explore your options, apply as needed, and then when you’re ready to start designing the ideal playground for your outside space, get in touch. We can have your Essex playground looking its best in no time at all.

Getting Help From Essex County Council

Your first stop for local funding support should be Essex County Council and your local borough or district council after that – such as Colchester City Council, or Braintree District Council. These councils often have community grant schemes and support hubs that offer initiatives to benefit local schools and their pupils. We’ve listed a few of the larger ones below.

Essex County Council’s Community Initiative Fund

Voluntary organisations, community groups, residents’ associations and Town and Parish councils all have the opportunity to apply for grants of up to £10,000 with the Community Initiative Fund. If you have a large development project in mind that will encourage excellence and inspire children to achieve more, this could be the solution you need. The grant has been used to support upgrades to sports facilities and improvements to community buildings in the past, so imagine what you could have done in your own space.

Essex County Council’s Micro Grants Fund

The Micro Grant Fund is ideal for sites that only have a small space available, or only need partial funding to create a space where kids can learn, play, and cultivate and nurture skills. Offering grants of up to £1,000, this is designed to help all the same organisations as the Community Initiative Fund – only on a smaller scale. 

Any project applying should aim to address at least one of the fund’s listed criteria, but as your intention is to aid learning, growth, and advancement for children and young people, you should stand a good chance.

Active Essex

A charity run and funded by the Council, the Active Essex Foundation aims to motivate communities to lead healthier, more active lives. This is done through the provision of advice and resources, including all kinds of charities and organisations you can work in partnership with to get the funding you need.

The Essex Community Foundation

The Essex Community Foundation (ECF) is a fantastic resource for charities and children’s organisations looking to fund outdoor spaces. They manage a wide range of charitable funds on behalf of donors and aim to support initiatives that benefit Essex communities. ECF also provides tailored support and resources for those who need them, so it’s worth checking out their latest news and how it could align with your project.

The Fowler Smith & Jones Trust

The Fowler Smith & Jones Trust focuses on promoting educational and recreational development across Essex. Schools and community groups can apply for grants that support building projects and equipment for young people’s activities. If your playground project includes elements that improve kids’ physical and mental well-being, you might catch the Trust’s attention. Applications are straightforward, and their team is committed to supporting local causes.

The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation

One of the UK’s largest independent funders, the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation is known for backing projects that improve people’s quality of life and enrich community spaces. Though not exclusive to Essex, schools in the county can apply for funding that promotes active outdoor play, environmental education, or community cohesion. The foundation’s grants can be substantial, too, making them a great option for larger playground projects or markings.

The Jack Petchey Foundation

Dedicated to empowering young people, the Jack Petchey Foundation operates throughout Essex and London, offering grant schemes designed to help schools improve their facilities. Their focus is on giving young people opportunities to thrive, so if your playground project includes spaces for extracurricular activities, sports, or community engagement, it could be a great fit for this funding.

Colchester Catalyst

For organisations and children’s charities located within the CO postcode, Colchester Catalyst might be the perfect way forward. This charity was set up specifically to help those in the area living with disabilities. If you have a particularly innovative idea for a playground to help students with SEND that could transform their lives, they may be able to help.

The Braintree Councillor’s Community Grants Scheme

If you’re located in or around Braintree, the Braintree Councillor’s Community Grants Scheme can offer financial support to those looking to invest in playground improvements. They focus on projects that foster community spirit and improve local spaces for young people. It’s an ideal funding opportunity for schools aiming to create inclusive and accessible playgrounds.

Order Playground Markings and Invest in Enrichment in Essex

When you’ve received your funding and you’re ready to bring your playground vision to life in Essex, Designs & Lines is here to help. With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to creating safe, engaging outdoor spaces, we’ll guide you through every step, from design to installation.

Get in touch with us today for a free site survey and personalised quote. Let’s work together to create a playground that inspires fun and learning for all.