Sharing news from the Essex Community Foundation
As Christmas approaches, it is a time not only to reflect on our work over the past 12 months, but also look forward to a new year and new opportunities. In just the last six months we have given nearly £1.5 million in response to requests from local charities, and their need for support is only going to increase as demand for their services grows against a backdrop of reduced income and higher bills.
Bringing people together to talk about the importance of the voluntary sector in Essex is something we value. Our recent Charity Symposium, held in the beautiful setting of Hatfield Place, provided the perfect opportunity and platform for discussion about the challenges and opportunities of working together, and the need for openness and boldness, which are vital no matter the size of your organisation.
Supported by Mid & South Essex Hospitals Charity, over 100 delegates joined us to hear inspiring talks from Samuel Kasumu, author of ‘The Power of the Outsider’ and Professor Tony Chapman, who talked us through his fascinating analysis of the voluntary sector in Essex. You can read Tony’s report here:
The combined effects of COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis continue to impact the Charity Sector which is increasingly the first line of defence for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. We are pleased to have supported NCVO’s campaign for the Government to address the chronic underfunding of public services delivered by charities.
As the largest independent funder of the voluntary sector in Essex, we are in touch with hundreds of charities. If you would like to support local charities helping the most vulnerable in our communities, please consider donating to our Surviving Winter Appeal or give to our Acorn Fund through which we help a wide range of charities.
We are privileged to be able to help local communities and are grateful to the generosity of our fundholders and donors who choose to give through us. Thank you for your continued interest in our work. We look forward to keeping in touch with you all in 2024.
On behalf of the ECF team, please accept my good wishes for a very Happy Christmas and New Year.
Caroline Taylor, Chief Executive
