Kao SEED Fund Harlow hero image

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.

Harlow logo

Awarded Projects

Kao SEED Fund Harlow

Applications to the Kao SEED Fund in Harlow are now open. We're looking for projects that:

  • Are locally led and community focused (must have a Harlow postcode)
  • Promote community empowerment, environmental sustainability
or enterprise development
  • Can demonstrate real impact within the Harlow community

Who can apply?

Social enterprises, local community groups, not-for-profit organisations, and grassroots projects, are encouraged to apply for funding of between £500 to £2,500.

Your organisation/social enterprise must be based in Harlow and be delivering services/projects to the residents of Harlow.

These grants will support the launch of new initiatives or the expansion of existing ones, particularly those that promote a cleaner, greener environment and foster not-for-profit enterprise schemes that will demonstrably benefit the local economy.

We will not fund:

  • Ordinary running costs of your service
  • Equipment or materials that are not directly used for your new/ ongoing initiative
  • Any retrospective costs

How to apply:

To apply for a grant from the Kao SEED Fund visit Harlow Council website for an online application form or Word application form and submit the required documents. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Key dates:

  • Kao Data Grant launch and opens 25 September 2025
  • Meet the funder and grant support 6 October 2025
  • Deadline for applications 5pm Monday 3 November 2025
  • Shortlisting of applications w/c 17 November 2025
  • Decision in principle sent to grant awardees w/c 8th December 2025
David Bloom

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

Get a quote

Privacy Consent

This site optionally uses cookies to monitor and improve your experience, and for anonymised tracking of visitor behaviour.

You can learn more about how we use cookies by viewing our Privacy Policy.