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06 Essex Community Foundation Annual Review 2024Building on a strong foundationPauline Dodd (front), Chair of the Chelmsford Star Co-opMembership Committee, visited Braintree Re-think Art and Social Group supporting those with mental illness. We make a point of visiting every organisation we support. I get so much joy from these visits, understanding the passions behind the people dedicated to each cause and hearing stories from those benefiting. Most groups want to increase public awareness about what they do or who they help, so they%u2019re always keen to talk about how our grant will be put to use. In turn, we report back to our Board and our Co-op members so more people get to hear about their efforts. Pauline Dodd, Chair, CSC Membership CommitteeThe Collier Family Fund was set up by Jane Collier (far left). She visited the day centre run by Bright Lives in Colchester to learn about their work supporting people with autism and other complex mental health issues. Regular activity sessions including cookery and movement to music helps to support the health and wellbeing of members.Over nearly three decades, we have been a strong supporter for local charities and voluntary organisations, giving over %u00a350 million to support local charities and individuals in Essex. Working with our donors, listening to their interests and connecting them with local charities continues to be an important part of our new strategy. We already know that our donors enjoy seeing firsthand the impact of their grantmaking and visiting funded organisations. As part of our next community listening project, we have been working with an independent researcher to produce a survey that was shared with all our donors. The results will help us to have a greater understanding of how they became involved with us, how they feel about their grantmaking and how they want to engage with us and the charities they support.The journey to 2030 is one we undertake together. Our strategy is not just about what we will do, but about how we can work collectively and in collaboration with donors, partners and our community to achieve our shared goals. Caroline Taylor, Chief Executive A collective and collaborative journey%u2018%u2018%u2018%u2018