About the Board

If you are a resident of the City of Southend, over 18 years old, and not a trustee or staff member of an organisation that may apply for funding, you can become a board member.

If you are interested in joining the Board, please click here to find out more.

The Community Investment Board is always open to hearing new ideas and encourages you to share them via email at cib@savs-southend.co.uk.

Additionally, a Community Reference Group has been established alongside the board, with the aim of bringing together local voluntary and community groups, as well as health and care professionals, to help assist the board in making informed decisions based on the needs of Southend.

For further details, see, ‘Community Reference Group‘.

Please visit the ‘Available Investments‘ page to find out what funding is currently open for applications.

To receive notifications of when new funding has opened, please sign up for the SAVS weekly email by clicking here.

Our Board is dedicated to processing applications in a timely manner. To ensure efficiency, they meet monthly. Throughout the application process, you’ll receive regular updates on its progress and receive comprehensive feedback upon completion. We value transparency and strive to provide clear communication regarding our decisions.

The Community Investment Board manages different funds with different requirements. The procedures for each application may vary, but they are designed to be accessible to everyone. Please review the guidelines for the fund you’re interested in to learn how to apply. The Board is dedicated to keeping the application process straightforward and communicating all decisions made. If necessary, the Board may ask to meet with the applicant. If you have any doubts about submitting an application, please contact the Community Investment Fund Coordinator at cib@savs-southend.co.uk or 01702 356008, who will provide assistance.

When applying for funding, most applicants will be required to submit their most recent set of accounts. If your accounts are less than 18 months old, you may provide a budget for the upcoming year. Additionally, you will need to provide your governing document (such as mems and arts or a constitution), as well as safeguarding, equality and diversity policies. If you do not have these documents or are unsure about their format, please contact the Community Investment Fund Coordinator for guidance. If you are awarded funds, you will need to confirm your bank details by sharing a bank statement from the last 3 months.

SAVS also offers support to groups, especially those who are just starting out, to help them get their paperwork in order. For further information, see – https://www.savs-southend.org

The awarded funds will be transferred through BACS into a bank account under the name of the leading organisation that applied. The account must have at least two unrelated signatories.

In cases where individuals can apply for funding, the funds will be transferred into the account of the leading applicant.

The Community Investment Board provides investments for small charities, community groups, registered charities, and Friends of Statutory bodies like PTAs. Faith groups are also eligible as long as their activities do not promote or further religious beliefs.

However, individuals, sole traders, statutory organisations, political organisations, and limited companies cannot be considered unless a specific fund allows for it. Those with great ideas are encouraged to work with partners whenever possible.