‘Fundbuilding’ the future

27th June 2025

Our Trustee, Sandra Hollis, who is also chair of our Fund Development Committee, welcomed over 70 local professionals to our 12th Private Client Advisers event, held at Rivenhall Oaks Golf Centre on 13 June.

The event was generously sponsored by Chartered Accountant & Business Advisory firm, Larking Gowen. Their Tax Director, Gillian McGill, spoke about the importance of charity and community to their business to the attentive audience.

Dawn Lay-Flurrie, Partner at Larking Gowen said, “We were proud to sponsor the Essex Community Foundation’s Private Client event as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the local community and charitable initiatives.

“These events offer a valuable opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, share insights, and strengthen relationships across the region. It was a pleasure to engage in meaningful conversations and showcase how our firm’s values align with the Foundation’s mission. The relaxed networking format, combined with the chance to highlight our charitable activities, made it a truly rewarding experience.”

Sandra gave an overview of our work supporting voluntary and community groups in Essex and establishing charitable funds on behalf of individuals, families, businesses and public agencies.  Each year we give away around £3.5 million in grants, but with over £7 million in funding requests, the need continues to outpace resources with the majority of supported organisations being small, local charities. She stressed the long-term impact of endowment-based giving, a key benefit of our model and the goal to secure £30 million in new donations by 2030, which we outlined in our strategic plan.

Sandra then introduced Gail Cunningham, also a Trustee, and a consultant who works with foundations and charities on investment practice and governance as well as impact investing.  Gail talked about trends in philanthropic engagement and her family’s experience of joining our “Fundbuilder” initiative, a flexible model allowing donors to build charitable funds over time. Gail highlighted its relevance for next generation giving and intergenerational wealth transfer, with some family funds now being managed by younger generations.

After listening to our speakers, attendees had time to network with like-minded business professionals, exchanging ideas and experiences, whilst enjoying delicious canapes and catering provided by Rivenhall.

Perry Norton, head of development at ECF, said, “These events provide an opportunity for private client professionals to ask questions and gain insights from within the charitable and voluntary sector, so they can talk to their clients when appropriate about local giving. The Fundbuilder initiative is a simple way to start growing a charitable fund whilst also benefitting our amazing local charities.”