Essex Recovery Fund

Supporting community projects for people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction

Essex Recovery Foundation is proud to launch the Essex Recovery Fund, a dedicated pot of funding to support community projects in Essex that are:

  • for people in recovery

  • delivered by people in recovery

  • voted for by people in recovery

What projects do we support?

  • Projects for people in recovery, by people in recovery

    We aim to empower people who are in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction to lead and develop projects that directly benefit the recovery community. This objective ensures that those with lived experience are at the heart of shaping and delivering support services.

  • Existing projects loved by the recovery community

    The fund will also support established projects and services (commissioned and non-commissioned) that have proven to be effective and are highly valued by the recovery community. This will help maintain continuity and ensure that successful initiatives continue to receive the necessary support in order to expand.

  • Projects which help us reach more diverse groups of people

    To create a more inclusive and diverse recovery community, we will fund projects that specifically aim to reach under-served and diverse groups. This objective seeks to broaden the impact of recovery services and ensure that everybody affected by drug and alcohol addiction, regardless of background, has access to support.

FAQs

  • Anybody with an idea or project which benefits the recovery community in Essex can apply!

    However, preference will be given to projects led by people in recovery.

  • We will be awarding up to £50,000 in our first round of funding. However, we typically look to fund projects in the region of £5k - £10k. You may be awarded more than this if you can evidence that your project will have a significant impact on the recovery community.

  • In order for your project to be considered for the Essex Recovery Fund, it must meet the following criteria:

    • Alignment with Objectives

      Your project must align with at least one of our three key objectives.

    • Leadership by Individuals in Recovery

      Preference will be given to projects led by people in recovery.

    • Community Support

      Your project should demonstrate support from the recovery community.

    • Inclusivity

      Your project must aim to be inclusive and accessible to diverse groups.

  • Visit www.essexrecoveryfoundation.org/apply.

    You will be required to fill in a short application form which shares a little more about your project idea. You may submit your idea as written text or in video format.

    If your project meets our eligibility criteria, you will be invited to meet our panel of experts where you will be able to pitch your idea Dragons-Den style!

    The panel will select a number of projects to move to the next round where your project will be presented at our Community Voice forum. We will then offer the recovery community the opportunity to vote for their favourite projects - with successful projects being decided by a democratic vote!

  • Yes! In this instance, Essex Recovery Foundation would hold the money on your behalf and pay for the project directly.

  • We will aim to provide unsuccessful projects with feedback and encourage applicants to re-apply.

Important dates

Monday 30th September: Essex Recovery Fund opens for applications

Thursday 31st October: Deadline for applications

Wednesday 13th November: Meet the panel

Friday 29th November: Community Voice: a democratic vote by the recovery community

Apply today