Public Health Accelerator Bids (PHAB)

Funding for new projects that deliver services to help everyone in Essex to live a healthy life and achieve their full potential

Apply for a small grant

We are not currently processing applications that are mainly focusing on physical inactivity. This is due to a high number of small grant applications tackling this issue. In light of this we have decided to focus on the other public health risks for the foreseeable future.

Small grants are between £500 and £7,500.

The application process for small grants is quicker, with light touch evaluation.

These grants are not available in Southend or Thurrock.

View the assessment criteria for small grants (PDF, 504.24 KB).

How to apply

Applications open 4 September 2023, and will remain open throughout the PHAB grants programme. All projects must be completed by March 2026 or before.

Essex County Council reserve the right to pause the PHAB small grants programme for short periods due to limit of funding availability and/or to ensure proportionate universalism at any time

Funding can be for a maximum of two years and projects need to have a clear sustainability and exit plan. 

Applications must be submitted before the start of any project activities or project expenditure. We cannot fund any project expenditure retrospectively. Any expenditure incurred on the project before receipt of a grant offer letter is at the risk of the lead applicant organisation.

Unfortunately it is not possible to save your form and come back to it. We suggest saving your answers on a separate application form (DOCX, 70.16 KB) and copying it into the online application form. 

Complete an application form

What happens after you apply

After your application, you'll receive a confirmation email containing a bid number.

You must use this number in all future communications with the PHAB team.

Applicants will be notified about the decision as soon as possible. We may request further information where required.

We can accept more than one application from an organisation. Each application must represent a different project.

We will not consider applications for projects which we have previously rejected.