Rise Community – RiSEBOX

Rise Community uses sport and physical activity to drive positive change. Founded in 2020, we focus on improving health, wellbeing, and social connection – especially for vulnerable groups. Our inclusive programmes like RiSEBOX support mental health, reduce isolation, and promote active lifestyles.

What will the Kao SEED Fund support?

The RiSEBOX project is a new, ladies-only, non-contact boxing programme running for one hour per week over 20 weeks at The Hub, Gilden Park in Harlow. Sessions will be inclusive and tailored to all fitness levels, helping women improve physical health, mental wellbeing and social connections in a safe, supportive environment close to where they live.

Who is the project helping support?

RiSEBOX is designed for women aged 18+ living in Harlow’s CM17 area, especially those facing barriers to traditional fitness settings due to cultural, social or economic factors. The project aims to engage around 16–20 women per week, offering a safe, women-only environment where all abilities are welcome. Participants may be experiencing low physical activity, poor mental health, isolation or low confidence, and will benefit from structured, supportive sessions that prioritise inclusion, empowerment and community connection.

Impact of the project

The project aims to increase physical activity, improve cardiovascular fitness, strength and mobility, and reduce risks of long-term health conditions among participants. It will also support better mental wellbeing by reducing stress and anxiety, boosting mood, confidence and emotional resilience, and strengthening social ties. Impact will be monitored through weekly attendance data, baseline and follow-up surveys on wellbeing and connection and qualitative feedback from participants and leaders. Over time, RiSEBOX will reduce isolation and support Harlow’s Health & Wellbeing Strategy priorities.

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Details

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

  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.