Big Sparks

The Big Vote is Here!

We’re excited to announce that 15 fantastic projects have been shortlisted for The Big Vote! These projects were carefully selected by a panel of local residents who reviewed all submissions with the community’s needs in mind.

1. Shoebury ECO Trail 
2. Little Free Book, Seed and Food Library Boxes 
3. Southend Grand Craft Bridging Generations 
4. MUNCH
5. Active Ageing (Active Life)
6. Rocket School - Learn Rocketry
7. Helping local families living with PDA
8. Southend Community Personal Safety & Resilience Programme
9. Just Ride Southend Tandem Tricycle
   
10. Reach Her Foundation
11. Hungry Cupboards – Built by the Community, for the Community
12. Marketplace Gallery
13. Connect and Protect - Parent / Guardian Safety Talks

Why These 13?

Out of 15 project* proposals received, these 13 stood out because they best met the funding criteria and demonstrated the greatest potential to benefit our area. While some submissions didn’t meet the criteria this time, we’re actively working with those applicants to explore alternative funding opportunities and keep their ideas alive. *Please note one project was withdrawn by the person after submission.

Please note the following

✅ You must live in the East/ East Central Area to vote.
✅ One vote per person.
❌ Unfortunately, we cannot accept votes from outside these Areas.

Voting closed at 5pm on 18 August 2026

Thank you for your interest in applying to the Big Sparks Fund, which provide grants to residents, businesses and community groups who want to make positive change within their communities.

Before You Start:

• Review our Guidelines: Please take a moment to carefully review our funding guidelines and eligibility criteria below. This will help ensure your project aligns with our priorities and increase the likelihood of a successful application.
• Offline Preparation: If you would prefer to prepare your answers offline, please find a list of our questions. Please, however, ensure all final applications are submitted via this online form.
• Access Support: If you need help completing your application, or have any questions about the Big Sparks Fund, please see the 'Whos Listening' section on the project webpage.

Funding Guidance

Please read the following carefully before submitting your application:

• Schools are not eligible to apply for funding.
• Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) can apply if:
  • The project is a new idea.
  • The project will benefit or be open to the wider community.

• Funding Threshold: Applications exceeding the maximum funding limit will be automatically disqualified. Please check the applicable funding amounts before applying.
• Funding Amounts: There are set funding amounts available depending on the type of applicant:
  • Residents – £1,000
  • Community Groups, Charities, or Businesses – £5,000 (If you are applying as a business, this must be clearly stated on the application form.)

• Big Sparks Events: If you wish to use Big Sparks for a neighbourhood event:
  • Check the Events page on the Council website to confirm availability.
  • Include evidence of this check in your application.
  • This includes any insurances (Inc. Public Liability)

• Building Works: If your project involves alterations, amendments, or decorating buildings:
  • You must obtain written permission from the building owner before applying.
  • Include this evidence of permission in your application.
  • This includes any insurances (Inc. Public Liability)
• Parks and Open Spaces: If your project involves planting or changes to public spaces:
  • You must get Council approval in advance.
  • Include evidence of this permission in your application.
  • This includes any insurances (Inc. Public Liability)

Please note that during the viability check phase, you may be asked to provide additional information before your application can be shortlisted.

Review Process and Timeline

This round of funding is now open for applications until 5pm - 26 June 2026

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by a local panel to see if it is suitable to go through to our public vote. 

The Big Vote is Here!

We’re excited to announce that 13 fantastic projects have been shortlisted for The Big Vote! These projects were carefully selected by a panel of local residents who reviewed all submissions with the community’s needs in mind.

1. A Place to Belong - Phabulous Café
2. Female Youth Cricket Growth
3. Belfair's Community Wildflower Meadow
4. Improvements to the Nature Garden at Leigh Library Gardens
5. Youth Choir @ St Aiden's
6. Wellness Retreats for People Impacted by Breast Cancer 
7. Little Steps Gym – SEND Gymnastics and Soft Play
8. Cook and Game
9. The Art Ministry Creative Holidays
10. St Aiden's Public Defibrillator
11. Clean Water for Leigh (Waterwatch)
12. Leigh Together The Big Wellbeing Lunch
13. Leigh Folk Festival
    

Why These Thirteen?

Out of 31 project proposals received, these 13 stood out because they best met the funding criteria and demonstrated the greatest potential to benefit our area. While some submissions didn’t meet the criteria this time, we’re actively working with those applicants to explore alternative funding opportunities and keep their ideas alive.

Please note the following

✅ You must live in the West Area to vote.
✅ One vote per person.
❌ Unfortunately, we cannot accept votes from outside the West Area.

Voting closed 5pm on 01 April 2026

Thank you for your interest in applying to the Big Sparks Fund, which provide grants to residents, businesses and community groups who want to make positive change within their communities.

Before You Start:

• Review our Guidelines: Please take a moment to carefully review our funding guidelines and eligibility criteria below. This will help ensure your project aligns with our priorities and increase the likelihood of a successful application.
• Offline Preparation: If you would prefer to prepare your answers offline, please find a list of our questions. Please, however, ensure all final applications are submitted via this online form.
• Access Support: If you need help completing your application, or have any questions about the Big Sparks Fund, please see the 'Whos Listening' section on the project webpage.

Funding Guidance

Please read the following carefully before submitting your application:

• Schools are not eligible to apply for funding.
• Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) can apply if:
  • The project is a new idea.
  • The project will benefit or be open to the wider community.

• Funding Threshold: Applications exceeding the maximum funding limit will be automatically disqualified. Please check the applicable funding amounts before applying.
• Funding Amounts: There are set funding amounts available depending on the type of applicant:
  • Residents – £1,000
  • Community Groups, Charities, or Businesses – £5,000 (If you are applying as a business, this must be clearly stated on the application form.)

• Big Sparks Events: If you wish to use Big Sparks for a neighbourhood event:
  • Check the Events page on the Council website to confirm availability.
  • Include evidence of this check in your application.
  • This includes any insurances (Inc. Public Liability)

• Building Works: If your project involves alterations, amendments, or decorating buildings:
  • You must obtain written permission from the building owner before applying.
  • Include this evidence of permission in your application.
  • This includes any insurances (Inc. Public Liability)
• Parks and Open Spaces: If your project involves planting or changes to public spaces:
  • You must get Council approval in advance.
  • Include evidence of this permission in your application.
  • This includes any insurances (Inc. Public Liability)

Please note that during the viability check phase, you may be asked to provide additional information before your application can be shortlisted.

Review Process and Timeline

This round of funding is now open for applications until 5pm - 18 February 2026.

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by a local panel to see if it is suitable to go through to our public vote. 

The Big Vote is Here!

We’re excited to announce that 19 fantastic projects have been shortlisted for The Big Vote! These projects were carefully selected by a panel of local residents who reviewed all submissions with the community’s needs in mind.

1. Come & Air Fry With Me
2. Sober Soul-friends
3. Eco Workshops
4. Community Heritage Walks: A social History of Prittlewell
5. Menopause Transition – Feel Stronger
6. Springfield Allotment – Community Rehabilitation & Wellbeing Project
7. Kindness at the Craftsman
8. Connect and Protect – Parent/Guardian Safety Talks
9. Save Energy and Money Workshops
10. King of Kings party at St Marks Church
11. The Friday Night Project
12. Group therapy/support sessions for carers of people living with Dementia
13. Nature Nurtures: Intergenerational Play Programme
14. Haven Hub Portraits
15. Memory Clouds
16. Creative Threads
17. Hamlet Court Beeline
18. Crochet with Care
19. Creating Together

Why These Nineteen?

Out of 40 project proposals received, these 19 stood out because they best met the funding criteria and demonstrated the greatest potential to benefit our area. While some submissions didn’t meet the criteria this time, we’re actively working with those applicants to explore alternative funding opportunities and keep their ideas alive.

Please note the following

✅ You must live in the West Central Area to vote.
✅ One vote per person.
❌ Unfortunately, we cannot accept votes from outside the West Central Area.

Voting closed 5pm on 28 January

Thank you for your interest in applying to the Big Sparks Fund, which provide grants to residents, businesses and community groups who want to make positive change within their communities.

Before You Start:

• Review our Guidelines: Please take a moment to carefully review our funding guidelines and eligibility criteria below. This will help ensure your project aligns with our priorities and increase the likelihood of a successful application.
• Offline Preparation: If you would prefer to prepare your answers offline, please find a list of our questions. Please, however, ensure all final applications are submitted via this online form.
• Access Support: If you need help completing your application, or have any questions about the Big Sparks Fund, please see the 'Whos Listening' section on the project webpage.

Funding Guidance

Please read the following carefully before submitting your application:

• Schools are not eligible to apply for funding.
• Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) can apply if:
  • The project is a new idea.
  • The project will benefit or be open to the wider community.

• Funding Threshold: Applications exceeding the maximum funding limit will be automatically disqualified. Please check the applicable funding amounts before applying.
• Funding Amounts: There are set funding amounts available depending on the type of applicant:
  • Residents – £1,000
  • Community Groups, Charities, or Businesses – £5,000 (If you are applying as a business, this must be clearly stated on the application form.)

• Big Sparks Events: If you wish to use Big Sparks for a neighbourhood event:
  • Check the Events page on the Council website to confirm availability.
  • Include evidence of this check in your application.
  • This includes any insurances (Inc. Public Liability)

• Building Works: If your project involves alterations, amendments, or decorating buildings:
  • You must obtain written permission from the building owner before applying.
  • Include this evidence of permission in your application.
  • This includes any insurances (Inc. Public Liability)
• Parks and Open Spaces: If your project involves planting or changes to public spaces:
  • You must get Council approval in advance.
  • Include evidence of this permission in your application.
  • This includes any insurances (Inc. Public Liability)

Please note that during the viability check phase, you may be asked to provide additional information before your application can be shortlisted.

Review Process and Timeline

This round of funding is now closed.

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by a local panel to see if it is suitable to go through to our public vote. 

The Big Vote is Here!

We’re excited to announce that 5 fantastic projects have been shortlisted for The Big Vote! These projects were carefully selected by a panel of local residents who reviewed all submissions with the community’s needs in mind.

1. Just Ride Southend
2. Hope garden project
3. Digital Support Outreach
4. One Love Project - Working Family and Student (18+) Evening Foodbank
5. Community Cooking for all

Why These Five?

Out of 13 project proposals received, these 5 stood out because they best met the funding criteria and demonstrated the greatest potential to benefit our area. While some submissions didn’t meet the criteria this time, we’re actively working with those applicants to explore alternative funding opportunities and keep their ideas alive.

Please note the following

✅ You must live in the East Central Area to vote.
✅ One vote per person.
❌ Unfortunately, we cannot accept votes from outside the East Central Area.

Voting closed on 29 September 

Thank you for your interest in applying to the Big Sparks Fund, which provide grants to residents, businesses and community groups who want to make positive change within their communities.

Before You Start:

• Review our Guidelines: Please take a moment to carefully review our funding guidelines and eligibility criteria below. This will help ensure your project aligns with our priorities and increase the likelihood of a successful application.
• Offline Preparation: If you would prefer to prepare your answers offline, please find a list of our questions. Please, however, ensure all final applications are submitted via this online form.
• Access Support: If you need help completing your application, or have any questions about the Big Sparks Fund, please see the 'Whos Listening' section on the project webpage.

Funding Guidance

Please read the following carefully before submitting your application:

• Schools are not eligible to apply for funding.
• Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) can apply if:
  • The project is a new idea.
  • The project will benefit or be open to the wider community.

• Funding Threshold: Applications exceeding the maximum funding limit will be automatically disqualified. Please check the applicable funding amounts before applying.
• Funding Amounts: There are set funding amounts available depending on the type of applicant:
  • Residents – £1,000
  • Community Groups, Charities, or Businesses – £5,000 (If you are applying as a business, this must be clearly stated on the application form.)

• Big Sparks Events: If you wish to use Big Sparks for a neighbourhood event:
  • Check the Events page on the Council website to confirm availability.
  • Include evidence of this check in your application.
  • This includes any insurances (Inc. Public Liability)

• Building Works: If your project involves alterations, amendments, or decorating buildings:
  • You must obtain written permission from the building owner before applying.
  • Include this evidence of permission in your application.
  • This includes any insurances (Inc. Public Liability)

• Parks and Open Spaces: If your project involves planting or changes to public spaces:
  • You must get Council approval in advance.
  • Include evidence of this permission in your application.
  • This includes any insurances (Inc. Public Liability)

Please note that during the viability check phase, you may be asked to provide additional information before your application can be shortlisted.

Review Process and Timeline

This round of funding is now closed.

Application Form was open from the 16 July until 04 August 2025.

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by a local panel to see if it is suitable to go through to our public vote. 

The Big Vote is Here!

We’re excited to announce that 12 fantastic projects have been shortlisted for The Big Vote! These projects were carefully selected by a panel of local residents who reviewed all submissions with the community’s needs in mind.

1. The Christmas market 
2. Fruit and Veg at the the Shoebury Ark 
3. Mental health first aid training 
4. Children self guided heritage walk and VJ day 80th Anniversary walk
5. Shoebury Health Fest: Co-created by Kids
6. Growing old gracefully
7. Shoebury In Bloom
8. Gunner park community orchard Essex Wildlife Trust 
9. Experience Project 
10. Allergy emergency care  for the community
11. Tree planting in the Shoeburyness high street area
    
12. Rocket School

Why These 12?

Out of 27 project proposals received, these 12 stood out because they best met the funding criteria and demonstrated the greatest potential to benefit our area. While some submissions didn’t meet the criteria this time, we’re actively working with those applicants to explore alternative funding opportunities and keep their ideas alive.

Please note the following

✅ You must live in the East Area to vote.
✅ One vote per person.
❌ Unfortunately, we cannot accept votes from outside the East Area.

Thank you for your interest in applying to the Big Sparks Fund, which provide grants to residents, businesses and community groups who want to make positive change within their communities.

Before You Start:

• Review our Guidelines: Please take a moment to carefully review our funding guidelines and eligibility criteria. This will help ensure your project aligns with our priorities and increase the likelihood of a successful application.
• Offline Preparation: If you would prefer to prepare your answers offline, please find a list of our questions. Please, however, ensure all final applications are submitted via this online form.
• Access Support: If you need help completing your application, or have any questions about the Big Sparks Fund, please see the 'Whos Listening' section on the project webpage.

Review Process and Timeline

This round of funding was open until 31st May 2025

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by a local panel to see if it is suitable to go through to our public vote.