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Kao Data launches new SEED Fund to support community groups in Harlow

Kao Data, the Harlow-based specialist developer and operator of data centres, launched its award-winning initiative, the Kao SEED Fund, in Harlow this morning.

The Kao SEED Fund, which stands for Social Enterprise and Environment Development Fund, aims to foster community growth and enterprise. The fund, which will be run in partnership with Harlow Council, will provide funding pots of between £500 – £2,500 to community groups, not-for-profit organisations and grassroots projects across the town, supporting both ongoing initiatives or new projects within existing community groups or charities. 

Harlow is the home of Kao Data, which launched its first data centre, known as KLON-01, in 2018 on the site where Sir Charles Kao OBE made his pioneering 1966 discovery of fibre optic cable. A second data centre, KLON-02, opened in 2023 on the same site, and in March 2025, a third data centre on the site was announced. This data centre will support the growth of AI technologies when it is completed next year. 

Leader of Harlow Council Councillor, Dan Swords, said: “We are incredibly proud to see the Kao SEED Fund launching in Harlow this morning. Kao Data is a world-leading company which has put Harlow on the global map with its incredible data centres and they have always given much back to the town. This new community fund will make a direct difference here in Harlow, giving our local community groups the support they need to grow and thrive. 

“The funding pots will help community groups deliver projects that matter to their neighbourhoods. It’s all about empowering communities, strengthening connections and building a more vibrant town together.”

Lizzy McDowell, Director of Marketing at Kao Data, added, “We’re thrilled to have launched our award-winning SEED Fund for Harlow this morning. It’s vital for us as a data centre operator to genuinely support and connect with the communities around us. Our roots are in Harlow, which is Kao Data’s home, which makes the launch today even more special. 

“We cannot wait to see the ideas and ongoing projects that need funding, as well as following all the awarded projects as they roll out their wonderful ideas over the next year.” 

Submissions for the Kao SEED Fund Harlow are now open and will close on November 3, 2025. 

There will also be a Meet the Funder information event on October 6 at Harlow Civic Centre (see the link below for sign-up details). Applications will then be considered by a select panel of judges and applicants will be notified in December 2025. 

For more details and to apply for the fund, visit:

https://www.kaodata.com/initiatives/kao-seed-fund/kao-seed-fund-harlow

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If your application is successful, Harlow Council will transfer the grant by BACS.  Bank details (account name, number and sort code) will need to be supplied with a summary of accounts. 

Funding conditions:  If your application is successful, your project must be delivered by 31 December 2026. You will have to return any grant funds if the project is not delivered or the organisation receiving the funding stops operating.

A contract agreement will need to be signed between your organisation and Harlow District Council before any funding is granted.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Grant recipients will be required to provide an end of project report to establish whether the project has met its aims and objectives, as well as to assess the overall impact on participants. Funding for the project is provided on the basis that the Project Evaluation form is returned within the agreed project timescale (no later than 31 January 2027).

Risks and Liabilities: In giving grants the ‘Harlow Council’ will require the supported project organisation or groups to accept all risks and liabilities associated with the activity being supported. This will be a condition of the grant.  Copies of relevant documents may need to be provided if the application has been approved.

Data protection statement – how we will use your information

The Council is committed to handling your personal information in line with the data processing principles.  The Data Protection Legislation and the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR) sets the legal framework for how we collect, handle and process personal data and for your rights as a ‘data subject.’

General Data Protection Regulation:  Personal data provided by you will be processed in accordance with this protocol. For more details, please see https://www.harlow.gov.uk/privacy-notice

Thank you for taking the time to read these guidance notes. If you have any questions, please get in touch with [email protected].

FAQs

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  1. Who can apply?
    The fund is open to not-for-profit community groups and grassroots initiatives based in Stockport.
     
  2. What types of projects are eligible?
    We encourage projects focused on environmental sustainability, community cohesion, and local economic development.
     
  3. How much funding is available?
    Grants range from £500 to £2,500 for pilot projects or to enhance existing initiatives.
     
  4. Is this the sole funding for this project?
    If not, please expand on the additional match funding that you currently have or are in the process of applying for.
     
  5. Are there any restrictions on grants under £500?
    Yes, please note that grants under £500 may be subject to different guidelines or restrictions, which will be communicated upon application.
     
  6. When will we know if our project was selected?
    Notifications will be sent by March 31, 2025.
     
  7. How can I apply for a grant?
    Applications can be submitted through our online portal, where you will find detailed guidelines and forms.
     
  8. What happens if my application is unsuccessful?
    If your application is not successful, we encourage you to seek feedback and consider reapplying in future funding rounds.
     
  9. When is the application deadline?
    Please check our website for the latest application deadlines and any upcoming funding rounds.