Good Easter Community Building

Please find below our Fundraising Strategy for this project.

Fundraising Strategy for the New Village Hall and Sports Pavilion

Vision
Good Easter Parish Council aims to create a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable space for current and future generations. Our vision is to replace the ageing village hall and sports pavilion with a modern, accessible facility at the heart of the community – one that enables families to grow, older residents to thrive, and social and sporting life to flourish.

Why We Need a New Building

Our current facilities are no longer fit for purpose:

• The village hall has poor access, no parking, and limited kitchen and toilet facilities.
• The sports pavilion is dilapidated, despite being located next to a popular football pitch.

The proposed new building will be a single 30m x 7m structure accommodating up to 120 people, with parking, modern amenities, and flexible space for community activities. It will serve as a hub for social events, fitness, clubs, meetings, and celebrations – enhancing quality of life in the village and beyond.

Fundraising Target and Approach

We are launching a Capital Appeal to raise up to £900,000 for the full project, or £600,000 if phased (village hall first, sports pavilion second).

It is our intention to be ambitious because our village deserves a high-quality building which will last the next 100 years, for future generations to enjoy. We are realistic, so will moderate our plans based on the level of funding achieved.

As it stands today, we shall follow a phased fundraising strategy to spread the work and attract a broad range of funders:

1. Background Phase (Jan–Sep 2025)

• Finalise planning permission and legal groundwork
• Develop a business plan and detailed financial model
• Consult local residents and stakeholders
• Identify suitable fundraising platforms and prospects

2. Consultation Phase (Sep–Dec 2025)

• Seek input from the village
• Showcase options for the building and outline costs
• Describe potential funding models

3. Private Phase (Jan–Apr 2026)

• Establish a charity and nominate trustees from across the community
• Approach major trusts and foundations
• Apply for statutory grants (e.g. National Lottery, Sport England)
• Seek pledges from individuals and local supporters

4. Semi-Private Phase (May-Jul 2026)

• Cultivate major donors, hold fundraising events
• Build strong publicity through local and regional channels

5. Public Phase (Jul 2026 onwards)

• Launch a crowdfunder and local giving campaign
• Use village events to raise visibility and donations
• Celebrate progress with the community

Funding Sources

Our fundraising matrix is based on a mix of grants, local authority support, and community giving:

If we pursue a phased approach (village hall first), our short-term fundraising goal becomes £600,000 with a similar structure.

Our Case for Support

This project has wide community and regional benefits:

• Social Impact: A new hall will combat isolation for older residents and support early-years families through accessible, inclusive events and activities.
• Safety and Accessibility: The current hall’s location on a narrow lane without parking poses safety risks, especially for children. The new site, with dedicated parking and lighting, addresses this.
• Sport and Wellbeing: Upgraded sports facilities will boost fitness, youth engagement, and attract sports groups from nearby villages.
• Environmental Benefit: The new build will meet sustainability goals and align with Chelmsford City Council’s planning policies.

Community Engagement

Community support is critical. A consultation will be launched in early 2025 to involve parishioners and local groups. We welcome input on design, usage, and naming opportunities. Our success depends on demonstrating that this is a community-led initiative.

Past events such as pop-up pubs, yoga classes, and the annual village fete have shown strong support and usage. The new hall will expand capacity and cater to a growing population, including children and older residents.

How You Can Help

We are seeking support in many forms:

• Local donations – Every pound brings us closer to our goal.
• Major gifts – If you are in a position to give significantly, we would love to talk.
• Sponsorship – Naming rights and recognition opportunities are available.
• Volunteer time – Help run events or promote our campaign.
• Spread the word – Share our campaign and invite others to get involved.

If you would like to help or find out more, please get in touch via our contact form or speak to a Parish Councillor.

Next Steps

We are currently:

• Reviewing land value options and planning conditions
• Preparing to register a new charity to manage the appeal
• Recruiting a project manager and fundraising coordinator

The hard work starts now, and with your support, we can deliver a lasting legacy for Good Easter.

Published August 2025
This strategy will be updated quarterly as the appeal progresses.