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8 Essex Community Foundation Annual Review 2025Our funding supports a wide range of voluntary and community groups across Essex helping them respond to rising demand, strengthen resilience, and continue vital community work. We know that receiving funding over multiple years enables organisaions to plan and build capacity and this year we significantly increased the amount we awarded to %u00a3815,738. These grants now account for 22% of our overall grantmaking, providing stability for organisations facing unpredictable costs and growing demand. Core funding also remained a priority, with 34% of our grantmaking supporting group%u2019s operational costs including staffing, rent, and utilities, helping charities retain staff, maintain services, and plan ahead.We actively promote the availability of grants, so that groups we have not funded before can find out about us. This year, first-time applicants received grants totalling %u00a3280,669. Smaller charities remain a focus with 14% of grants awarded to organisations with incomes under %u00a325,000.Funding to organisations working with marginalised or underrepresented groups totalled %u00a3446,312 across 42 grants, including support for refugees, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ people, and those affected by addiction, domestic abuse, or the criminal justice system. This included delivery of the Homes for Ukraine Community Grants Programme, in partnership with Essex County Council.Our message to groups is always to get in touch. Tell us about your work and what you need. We are here to help.Local philanthropy in action Supporting our voluntary sector 2024-25Get in touchCall our grants team on 01245 355947Book a call with a grants officer through our websiteUse our CHAT NOW message box on our websiteE-mail grants@essexcf.org.ukCharities can also book space in our Foundation Hub in Chelmsford, free of charge. Opening Hours: Monday %u2013 Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm. To book please email hub@essexcf.org.ukAge Concern Southend-on-Sea provides a hub and outreach services for older people. It is a lifeline in the community, helping to reduce isolation, encourage physical activities, improve mental and emotional wellbeing as well as offering a meeting place which is brimming with activities and support.Thank you to everyone who has helped us to be able to pay an incredible %u00a33.8 million in grants this year to 549 organisations and 167 individuals, a 12% increase on last year.BOSP (Brighter Opportunities for Special People)