Local charities and community groups in Southend, Essex, can now apply for funding to help residents deal with the effects of the upcoming Lower Thames Crossing road project. The Essex Community Foundation opened the grant scheme on February 10, 2026, offering a total of £1.9 million to the region.
Individual groups can apply for up to £10,000 to pay for local services, community activities, or projects that help protect the environment. The money is intended to support people living near the road project or those who may be affected by construction traffic on main local roads.
Organisations in the area are encouraged to work with the Southend Association of Voluntary Services to prepare their bids before the deadline at 5:00 PM on March 30, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified in May 2026, shortly before the main building work is expected to start.
Construction on the new road is set to begin in the summer of 2026 and will involve preparing the land and setting up large machines to dig the tunnels. This funding round aims to help local groups run support services and activities for residents while the building work takes place over the coming years.
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