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12 Essex Community Foundation Annual Review 2025Essex New Beginnings Fund This year, Chelmsford Crown Court established a Fund to support charities and voluntary groups working within the jurisdiction of the Court with a preference of funding those whose work is providing education, training and diversionary activities for young people and those supporting people affected by homelessness.Money is added to the Fund from cases heard by the Court and where assets are acquired under the Misuse of Drugs Act or from forfeiture orders where money or other property is seized because it is suspected to be related to criminal activity.Did you know? If you set up an endowed fund, you can also make donations that are available to spend during the year. We call this a Hybrid Fund and is allows you to make grants while your invested fund is growing. (L-R) Sean Stutterford, Fiona Ashworth and Ann Coutts from Thompson Smith and Puxon present Perry Norton from ECF with a cheque to establish their Fund.The Thompson Smith and Puxon Foundation is an extension of our charitable giving. Over the years, we%u2019ve aimed to give back to local communities and celebrate local heroes. Our Fund allows us to continue this work on a long-term basis and establish a legacy in its own right.Fiona Ashworth, Director at TSPBusinesses increasingly play a role in developing strong communities. Not only through financial contributions, but also by sharing expertise, resources, and people power. By embedding a culture of giving that reaches beyond the boardroom and engages their employees, they strengthen their local reputation and communities receive meaningful support. This year we were pleased to welcome Colchester based law firm Thompson Smith and Puxon (TSP)as a new fundholder. TSP is a longstanding supporter of ECF and has introduced many clients who have set up funds or left us a legacy in their will. We are delighted that they have established their own fund to support charities working in Colchester and Clacton where the firm has offices.