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Our commitment to Harlow

At Kao Data, we’re proud to call Harlow our home. It was the first site we opened, and it is on this very site that Sir Charles Kao invented fibre optic cable networks in 1966. With Harlow’s history of innovation, community and commitment to growth, it’s a location we’re proud to invest in and support.

The Kao SEED Fund is our way of giving back to the communities that support us. Through this fund, we’re investing in projects that enhance community development, create new enterprising opportunities and support environmental sustainability – helping to deliver lasting value for people across Harlow.

About the Kao SEED Fund

The Kao SEED Fund, which stands for Social Enterprise and Environmental Development, aims to provide financial support to not-for-profit community-led initiatives that drive social and environmental development. Through our regional funding pots, we offer small packages of financial support and ongoing mentorship that will empower local projects focused on creating a positive impact in the surrounding community.

Our Operational Partner

To ensure the fund delivers meaningful outcomes, Kao Data is partnering with the Communities Team at Harlow Council, who understand the town’s unique character and needs.

Their local knowledge, community connections and experience supporting public initiatives make them an ideal partner to help identify and support the projects that will benefit most from this funding.

Awarded Projects

Community Empowerment

Initiatives that strengthen local engagement and collaboration.

Changing Lives Football

Harlow and Epping Community Transport

Harlow Arts Trust

Harlow Hospital Radio

Matipo Arts

Norman Booth Recreation Centre – Men’s Kitchen

PATACC – Community Befriending

Rise Community – RiSEBOX

Roots to Wellbeing – Skate & Elevate

The Frequency Machine

The Victoria Hall

Performing Arts Association

Harlow Bandstand

Environmental Sustainability

Projects that promote a greener Stockport.

Butterfly Effect Wellbeing

Changing Lives Football  

Harlow and District Scouts – Snow Forest

Open Road Visions

Plant Pots and Wellies

Potter Street Health & Wellbeing Hub

Enterprise Development

Programs that generate or support economic opportunities in the area.

The Parent Hood of Harlow CIC

Yellow Brick Road – Closing the Education Gap in Harlow

Kao SEED Fund Harlow

Applications to the Kao SEED Fund in Harlow are now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted a proposal.

As the founder of Kao Data, I am deeply committed to our corporate social responsibility, and I’m thrilled to see the Kao SEED Fund become a catalyst for community-driven impact.

David Bloom | Founder and Chairman | Kao Data

Details

Details

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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].

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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.