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18 Essex Community Foundation Annual Review 2025We manage a small number of charitable funds that support individuals who face barriers to reaching their full potential or who need assistance in overcoming personal challenges.Where possible, we collaborate with charities, schools, and community organisations to identify those who would most benefit from our support. In the past year, we awarded 167 grants totalling %u00a3204,649.These grants have contributed towards education and training in science, technology, engineering and matematics (STEM) subjects, the arts, and sports. They have also created opportunities to develop new skills and provided essential support for people facing financial pressures, as well as physical or mental health difficulties.SportsSisters Jasmine (16) and Skye (17) Carter, from Basildon, are making waves on the international stage as members of the Junior GB Swimming Team.In 2023, Skye travelled to the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago, where she won gold in the 50m freestyle. Jasmine is also building her career as a rising star, with both sisters balancing school, training, and competitions at the highest level.The family has been supported by the Essex and Southend Sports Charitable Fund and the Chrysalis Fund, which helped cover the significant costs of training and qualifying competitions. EducationThe rising cost of education continues to place real pressure on students and their families. Recent research shows that the average student now graduates with debts of over %u00a345,000, creating barriers to opportunity. Ahnaf Ahmed lives in Thurrock with his family and is studying to become a lawyer. The requirements of his degree course at the University of Law in London makes it difficult for him to get a parttime job. A grant from the Essex Education Fund of %u00a32,700 helped him to buy a new laptop and contribute to his travel costs. Jasmine and Skye Carter at the Commonwealth Youth Games.Ahnaf Ahmed