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2 Essex Community Foundation Annual Review 2025Essex Community Foundation (ECF) is an independent charitable trust set up in 1996 by a local family inspired by a vision to create a permanent financial resource to support voluntary organisations in their home county. Their ambition continues to guide us today.Over nearly three decades we have expanded our work with individuals, families, businesses, charitable trusts and public agenices, introducing them to local groups tackling issues in our communities. By investing the donations we receive and the funds we manage, we provide a sustainable source of funding that local organisations can access year after year.We have become a trusted leader in the voluntary and community sector by carrying out due diligence on funding applications and matching the needs of charities and individuals with the priorities of our donors. We award around %u00a34 million in grants each year which reflects a genuine impact on organisations and the wider community.This year%u2019s highlights%u00a33.8 million paid out in grants Total Income of %u00a38.5 million, including %u00a35.3 million into endowment549 voluntary organisations and 167 individuals supported21 new funds established in the yearCharities requested 230 telephone interviews with our grants teamsTotal value of endowed funds under management %u00a354.5 millionCharities use our Foundation Hub for a total of 3,000 hoursWho we are 3 Chair%u2019s message4 A year of change and opportunity6 Bringing people together8 Local philanthropy in action 10 Creating a lasting impact12 Helping businesses to give back 14 Thanking our supporters 16 Community spotlight18 Helping people achieve their full potential20 Our grantmaking 2024-2522 Financial highlights 23 Our team24 Join in and help us make a differenceContentsFront cover images:Women of Grace in Braintree works hard to raise awareness of and end the harmful practices of Female Genital Mutilation and Honour Based Violence.From its base in Bradwell-on-Sea, Cirdan Sailing Trust provides young people with self-development, integration and learning opportunities through the challenge of life at sea.Accuro provides a wide range of social and life skills based activities for almost 200 children, young people and adults with learning disabilities in West Essex.