Galloper Wind Farm Community Fund Surpasses £100,000 in Grantmaking 

26th May 2026

The Galloper Wind Farm Community Fund has reached a major milestone after awarding more than £100,000 in grants to charitable, educational and environmental projects supporting communities across Tendring. 

Managed by Essex Community Foundation (ECF), the Galloper Wind Farm Community Fund was established in 2018 to support communities connected to Galloper Wind Farm’s Operations and Maintenance Facility at Harwich International Port. As part of Galloper Wind Farm’s long-term commitment to the area, the Community Fund invests in projects that strengthen communities, improve wellbeing, and create opportunities for local people. 

Since launching, the Community Fund has supported organisations across Tendring responding to some of the biggest challenges facing local communities. During the Covid-19 pandemic, grants helped groups continue delivering vital support for vulnerable residents and families, while more recent funding has supported a wide range of projects focused on improving mental wellbeing, tackling isolation and creating opportunities for children and young people through community activities, outdoor education and the arts. 

Amongst the organisations awarded funding through the Community Fund is Teen Talk Harwich, which has received support for its work with vulnerable young people and families across Tendring. 

Hayley Lovett, CEO of Teen Talk Harwich, said: 

“Funding like this allows small charities like Teen Talk Harwich to support young people before they reach crisis point. It enables us to provide bespoke support and activities that build resilience, confidence and hope, while adapting to each young person’s individual needs and mental health to prevent crisis and create lasting positive change.” 

At Birch Hall Adventures, funding from the Community Fund helped complete a new dining space at the outdoor education centre, creating more opportunities for young people to come together during residential stays and activities. 

Centre Director Alex Phillips reflected on the impact of the funding: 

“Galloper Wind Farm Community Fund provided Birch Hall Adventures with a grant last spring to help complete our dining room. 

“The dining room enables up to 64 young people to eat together whilst enjoying their residential stay at the Centre… This facility allows us to offer a shared dining experience with their school friends, teachers and instructors, creating opportunities to talk about the day and reflect on the fun activities they’ve enjoyed. 

The funding has also helped us improve the way we support visiting schools and groups, while creating more opportunities for activities including cooking and baking sessions… Many thanks to the Galloper Wind Farm Community Fund for supporting this project and helping us continue to support the local schools that visit the Centre.” 

The Community Fund has also supported projects helping families manage increasing financial pressures across Tendring, including Clacton School Uniform Bank, which received funding to help secure its first dedicated shop space. 

Carolyn Doyle, Project Lead at Clacton School Uniform Bank, explained how the funding helped secure the charity’s first dedicated shop space: 

“The funding secured the first years rent on a shop. This meant we became accessible to all, as we were working from an upstairs room in a community hall which was inaccessible to many in our community. 

The impact on families has been vast and includes access to free pre-loved uniform, meaning money can be spent on food, bills and other essentials… This service relieves some of that pressure. 

Families have said they enjoy donating as much as they value receiving uniform so it’s win win… Since August 2025 we have saved over 15,000 items of uniform from landfill.” 

These projects are just some of the many initiatives supported through the Community Fund over recent years, reflecting the wide-ranging impact the funding continues to have across communities in Tendring. 

Conor Nicholson, Business and Stakeholder Co-ordinator at RWE, said: 

“We are incredibly proud to see the Community Fund surpass £100,000 in grants supporting organisations and projects across Tendring. The Community Fund was created to ensure our presence in the area delivers a positive and lasting impact for local communities, and it has been fantastic to see the difference these projects are making to people’s lives. From supporting young people and families to helping community organisations respond to local challenges, the funding continues to make a real difference across the area.” 

The Galloper Wind Farm Community Fund continues to support projects making a positive and lasting difference for communities across Tendring. 

Get Involved

To apply for a grant or to find out more:

Call our Grants Team: 01245 355947

Visit: Apply for Support page

To find out more about how to set up a charitable fund contact Perry Norton, Head of Development at Essex Community Foundation:

Tel: 01245 355947 
Email: perry@essexcf.org.uk 

Our Foundation Hub a Gift that Keeps on Giving

Some spaces are defined not by what they are, but by what happens within them.
In Chelmsford, 3 Hoffmanns Way has become one of those places, an office building where people come together with a shared purpose: to support local communities, collaborate, and create lasting impact. 

It is here that Essex Community Foundation (ECF) is based, and where the Foundation Hub provides a shared working space for charities and voluntary organisations across Essex, Southend and Thurrock. 

Since moving into the building in June 2022, it has evolved into something more than an office space. It has become an extension of ECF’s work, supporting both its own team and the wider voluntary sector over the past 4 years. 

For 17 years, ECF was based at 121 New London Road in Chelmsford. Over time, as the organisation grew, it became clear that a move would be needed. 

A conversation with one of our benefactors would go on to reshape ECF’s future. 

Our benefactors are a couple that ECF had known for several years. When they approached us, they explained that while they supported a number of charitable causes, they had come to particularly value the Foundation’s work, and its ability to reach and support far more local organisations than they could individually. 

What they said next astonished us: 

“We want to do something for the Foundation, but also something that will help many other local charities. We would like to buy you a new office building.” 

It was a moment that shifted everything, from simply finding a new office to rethinking what a building could offer the wider voluntary sector. 

Upon agreement that ECF should remain in Chelmsford due to its central location in Essex, attention soon turned to 3 Hoffmanns Way. 

It was a building that we knew, as it was owned by Essex Police and was latterly the home of the Essex Police Authority and then the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. 

The building was larger than we needed, but it felt right, and we were confident of its potential. The area in which the office is located has a rich history, with the old Hoffmanns Bearings Company originally having its factory just down the road where Anglia Ruskin University is now, hence the name of the road, and the long-established Marriage’s Millers family business just behind us. 

Our benefactors, who have expertise in property, also liked the building and, due to its size, agreed to our suggestion that as well as it being home for the ECF team at a peppercorn rent, the gift could also extend to the wider voluntary sector, providing charities and organisations with free and flexible working space that would support the growth and development of different groups. From the outset, the intention was clear: this would be a resource for charities across Essex, not solely for ECF. 

Caroline Taylor, Chief Executive of ECF, explains the thinking behind the gift: 

“We suggested to our benefactors that this could be a way of paying their gift forward. By giving us this building, they were supporting organisations that might not otherwise have access to the space or resources they need to develop their work, bringing people together so they can do the amazing work that benefits communities across Essex.” 

The building, however, needed significant investment. It had been vacant for some time, the electrics were out of date, and it was inefficient in terms of energy usage. 

Our amazing benefactors generously contributed to the refurbishment costs, and we were also able to draw on an unrestricted legacy, which gave us the flexibility to complete the project to create a high-quality, accessible office space and a welcoming, inclusive environment for people to come together and collaborate to excellent standards. 

It was important for ECF to use Essex-based companies to help transform the building into the space it is today. With the help of Cadman Construction, Barker Associates, and Mansfield Monk, the vision for 3 Hoffmanns Way was brought to life. 

With refurbishment underway, the idea of the Foundation Hub began to take shape. 

The Foundation Hub 

At the heart of the building is the Foundation Hub. 

Designed as a shared space for charities and voluntary organisations across Essex, Southend and Thurrock with access to meeting rooms, working areas and facilities free of charge. For many organisations, it offers something often difficult to find elsewhere: a professional environment where they can meet, plan and collaborate without cost becoming a barrier. 

Since opening, the Foundation Hub has been used extensively by ECF’s grant partners, with demand continuing to grow. It has become a valuable resource for organisations needing accessible space to come together and work effectively, reflecting both its practical purpose and the value of shared working environments. 

Since its opening, the Hub has recorded 1,944 bookings, totalling approximately 1,700 days of use, and over 100 registered users, underlining the level of engagement from across the sector. With an average cost of £25 per day for similar facilities across Essex, this represents a substantial in-kind saving to the voluntary sector, equating to approximately £42,500 in support. 

Among those making use of the Foundation Hub is Citizens Advice Essex, one of ECF’s grant partners and a frequent user of the space. For organisations like this, access to a professional meeting environment can represent a significant cost elsewhere in the sector.

Martin Lord, Consortium Director at Citizens Advice Essex, reflects on the practical benefits of the space: 

“It’s professional, and that’s what we’re trying to be, a professional organisation. We get looked after, and it’s free. It saves us money that we would otherwise have to spend in the commercial sector. It’s great for accessibility, parking and all the facilities here. It just helps us.” 

Philip Wakeling, Chair of Trustees at Citizens Advice Essex, also highlights its convenience: 

“I’ve simply attended and found it very, very convenient… We became aware of this building, maybe through one of those social media posts. We made contact with Maria [Kravchuk, Grants and Operations Administrator at ECF], and it was a super helpful online booking system. We book four meetings a year. It’s really appreciated. Thank you.” 

Steve MacKenzie, Head of Operations at ECF, reflects on the journey of developing 3 Hoffmanns Way and seeing the transformation of the building first-hand: 

“Seeing the building at the start and then what it’s become now is quite something. It needed a huge amount of work, but there was always a sense that it could be more than just an office space. There were a lot of decisions, a lot of detail, and a lot of effort that went into making it a great place to work. 

To now see it being used in the way it is 4 years on, by so many different organisations, many of whom might not otherwise have access to this kind of space, it’s incredible to see that original purpose brought to life.” 

More than a building, 3 Hoffmanns Way has become a shared resource shaped by collaboration and purpose. What began as a practical solution to ECF’s need for new office space has evolved into something wider: a space where charities and voluntary organisations can come together, work alongside one another, and strengthen the communities they serve. 

For ECF, it stands as a reflection of its wider role, not only supporting the voluntary sector through funding, but helping to create the conditions in which it can grow, connect and thrive. 

In doing so, it has become something greater than any single organisation: a place defined not by what it is, but by what it enables. 

Get Involved 

The Foundation Hub is open to charities and voluntary organisations across Essex, Southend and Thurrock seeking a professional and accessible space to meet and collaborate. 

Find out how to book a foundation hub slot here.

From Personal Challenge to Community Impact

From marathon start lines to community support across the county, individuals connected through ECF are demonstrating how personal commitment can translate into lasting local impact through taking part in the London Marathon. 

Many community initiatives begin with a single decision to get involved. For individuals and businesses across Essex, ECF provides a structured way to turn that decision into meaningful change. As an independent charitable funder, ECF connects people and organisations with the causes they care about, managing charitable funds and distributing grants that strengthen communities across the county. 

The stories highlighted here show how personal challenges can lead to wider community impact. 

Character: Saying Yes 

When Perry Norton, Head of Development at ECF, approached Aron Priest, Founder of the Priest Foundation, about running the London Marathon in support of the Priest Foundation, Aron had never run a mile in his life. 

After a couple of days to think about it, he called back. 

“Right, let’s do it.” 

For Aron, saying yes was not about personal ambition. It was about responsibility. 

“I didn’t want to let my foundation down. Or the people who sponsored me. Once you say yes, you must take it seriously.” 

The Priest Foundation, a charitable fund he established with ECF, works to improve the lives of people facing mental health challenges by making counselling more accessible. 

Training began in October. Three runs a week over several months eventually totalled more than 400 miles. 

“The training is brutal. It’s repetitive. But if you don’t put the work in, you won’t get through it.” 

Courage: A Shift in Perspective 

Aron’s journey to the starting line began years earlier. 

In 2014 Aron experienced a serious accident. At the time he owned a large company employing hundreds of staff and thrived on the demands of running a business. 

After the accident, anxiety and PTSD changed that entirely. 

“All your life, you think you’re invincible, but when something happens, you realise you’re not. You’re vulnerable.” 

This experience led Aron to establish the Priest Foundation with ECF to help others facing similar challenges. Today every £300 raised enables someone to access therapy. 

“That makes me incredibly proud.” 

Enthusiasm: When Spirit Multiplies 

Marathon day revealed another dimension of spirit. 

“They say the crowd carries you and that’s true. The human spirit on that day is phenomenal.” 

For the marathon alone, Aron raised around £8,000 for the Priest Foundation. 

That experience has led to another challenge. This May, Aron and a team of nine will take on the National Three Peaks Challenge, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon within 24 hours. 

“It’s going to be tough. But once I commit to something, I’m all in.” 

The Priest Foundation fund has now grown to a fund value of more than £80,000, with Aron aiming to grow it to £100,000 in the next couple of years. 

The Ripple Effect: Claire and Tom 

Aron’s story shows how motivation can lead to support. Claire Rayner and her son Tom Rayner show what support can enable. 

Following the sudden loss of Tom’s father in 2024, Claire wanted to build on Tom’s interest in running because of the physical and mental health benefits it brings. However, Tom’s disability affects his mobility, and specialist equipment allows them to run together in a way that suits Tom’s needs. 

Funding from ECF provided a running buggy, allowing Tom to run as much as his body allows, with breaks in the buggy when he needs them.

“Since receiving the buggy, running has become a part of our lives,” Claire says. 

“It’s made a real difference to me too. As a solo parent, training during school holidays and weekends wouldn’t have been possible without the buggy.” 

Tom became an enthusiastic training partner throughout Claire’s London Marathon journey. 

“He’s a great cheerleader. He tells me I’m doing a great job, asks how my legs are feeling and tells me to keep going when I’m struggling.”

Claire has now completed the London Marathon, raising funds for Endeavour Co-operative Academy in Brentwood. For Claire, the marathon marked another milestone in the journey she and Tom have taken together since receiving the buggy. 

“This was very much our journey. I’ll always be grateful to ECF for making this possible.” 

A Culture of Commitment 

The momentum continues. Dan Haylett, Director at TFP Financial Planning, will take on the London Marathon in 2027 to raise funds for the TFP Community Fund, managed by ECF, that supports local causes in Maldon and the surrounding area. 

“Running the London Marathon has been on my list for years, and when the opportunity came up to do it for a cause this close to home, it felt like the right moment to stop talking about it and actually lace up… I’ll be running 26.2 miles with a lot of heart, probably some blisters, and the knowledge that it genuinely matters.” 

Dan’s commitment reflects something broader. Across Essex, individuals connected to ECF are stepping forward in different ways to support their communities.

Within ECF itself, commitment is also personal. Niamh Murphy, Fund Development Admin Officer at ECF, recently completed the London Marathon independently in support of the charity 3Food4U. 

“Working at ECF has shaped how I see my role within the community. Seeing the impact of local giving up close shows how powerful it can be when support is rooted in genuine connection.” 

Reflecting on her experience, Niamh says:

“Running the London Marathon on behalf of 3Food4U was an unforgettable experience, and the support from everyone at ECF meant so much. I’m incredibly proud to be part of the ECF team, where we share a real passion for making a difference. Congratulations to all the runners, we were part of something truly special this year.” 

Her marathon experience reflects the wider culture surrounding ECF, one where personal commitment and community impact go hand in hand. 

Investing in Essex 

For business leaders across the county, these stories highlight what is possible when personal commitment meets the right support. 

Across Essex, individuals and businesses are choosing to invest in their communities. With the right support in place, that commitment can translate into lasting impact. 

Establishing a fund with ECF enables individuals and organisations to support the causes they care about, while ECF manages governance, administration and grant-making. As Aron puts it, “You focus on the meaningful part.” 

Interested in Establishing a Fund? 

If you are an individual or business considering creating a charitable fund and investing in local communities across Essex, ECF would be pleased to have a conversation. 

Contact: Perry Norton, Head of Development 
Tel: 01245 355947 
Email: perry@essexcf.org.uk 

We’re Launching a New Network for the Next Generation of Private Advisors in Essex

22nd April 2026

We’re excited to launch the Next Gen Essex Private Client Network — a new community created specifically for emerging and newly qualified Professional Advisors across Essex.

The network offers opportunities to grow your professional network, collaborate with peers and spark new ideas, while exploring how philanthropy can strengthen client relationships and support long‑term career growth across the county.

Building on ECF’s long‑standing work with Professional Advisors through established events and partnerships, this new network creates a dedicated space for those earlier in their careers to connect, share experiences and develop meaningful professional relationships.

Open to professionals working across legal, financial planning, accountancy and related sectors, the network brings together advisors at a similar stage in their careers through engaging events, shared insight and valuable new connections.

What the network offers:

• Relaxed, informal networking events
• Opportunities to grow a strong peer network across Essex
• Industry‑led sessions focused on philanthropy and career development
• Relevant news, insights and updates to support your practice

Jesse Farrer, Marketing Manager, said:

“Essex Community Foundation has always been brilliant at bringing people together, so creating a network for the next generation of Professional Advisors feels like a natural next step. We’ve seen the value that strong professional networks can bring, and there is so much talent coming through Essex. This network is about creating lasting connections and offering something that genuinely supports advisors at this stage of their careers.”

Alongside networking opportunities, members will also have the chance to exchange ideas and explore how philanthropy and charitable insight can add real, long‑term value to client relationships.

Get Involved

Newly qualified Professional Advisors interested in joining the Next Gen Essex Private Client Network can register their interest below to receive the latest updates, events and opportunities.

Register Your Interest Here

Join our LinkedIn group to stay connected, continue conversations and grow your network online.

The Power of Coming Together: SNAP Charity

In 1994, a group of eight mums in Brentwood came together because there simply wasn’t the support they needed for their children. Each of them had a child with special educational needs, and what was available at the time didn’t reflect the reality of their lives. They were all facing similar challenges, but without the right support around them, they decided to do something about it.

They shared their experiences, supported each other, and created something that didn’t exist before.

That was the beginning of SNAP Charity.

What started with a small group of parents has grown into an organisation that has supported approximately 7,800 families across Essex, offering practical support, activities, and a space where people can connect with others who understand what they’re going through. That original idea still runs through everything they do: building something around real need, and making sure families feel supported and understood.

Over the years, ECF has awarded SNAP 30 grants, totalling over £415,000, helping them to continue developing their services and reach more families across Essex. That support has helped them grow a wide range of their work, from music therapy and afterschool activities where children and young people can try new things and build confidence, to counselling and tailored support for parents and carers. It has also helped sustain longer-term programmes focused on strengthening and empowering families, alongside opportunities for young people to get involved through volunteering.

SNAP works with families who are often navigating complex needs, where finding the right support at the right time can be challenging. SNAP helps to change that by creating welcoming spaces where children and young people can build confidence, develop social skills, and connect with others, while parents and carers can meet people in similar situations.

For many, that sense of connection is just as important as the services themselves. Being able to share experiences, access the right support, and feel part of a community can make a real difference over time.

As Karen Boath, CEO of SNAP, explains: “Our journey began with a clear gap in support for families, and we were determined to make a difference. The support of ECF has been pivotal; not only in enabling our growth, but in strengthening our ability to deliver high-quality, responsive services that truly meet families’ needs.”

What makes SNAP’s story so powerful is how it started, and what it has become. It’s a reminder that when people come together around a shared need, they can create something far bigger than themselves, something that continues to grow, adapt, and support others long into the future.

To find out more about SNAP and the work they do, visit their website.

If you’re part of a local organisation and would like to explore funding to support your work, you can apply for a grant or find out more by calling Essex Community Foundation on 01245 355947 or visiting our Apply for Support page.

Amid Local Change, Essex Civil Society Launches Its Most Ambitious Countywide Vision Yet 

14th April 2026

Today, Essex Community Foundation (ECF), in partnership with the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector, launches A Joint Vision for Civil Society in Greater Essex. This shared ambition sets out how the sector, local government, public services, health providers, and other partners can work together to create a trusted and thriving civil society across Greater Essex for years to come.  

Essex is undergoing significant structural change, including Local Government Reorganisation, Devolution, the NHS 10-Year Plan, changes to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), and the rollout of the Civil Society Covenant. These developments bring both pressures and opportunities: rising demand and increasing costs place new strains on services, while also offering a chance to rethink how support is designed and delivered. 

Developed with input from voluntary, community, social enterprise, and faith organisations, the vision provides a framework for embedding civil society as a central partner, strengthening communities, coordinating investment, and redesigning support to meet local needs. 

“Our sector’s economic value is significant, generating over £1.2 billion in activity each year, sustaining 17,500 staff and 95,000 volunteers, and delivering vital services that strengthen communities. Building on this contribution, the sector must be recognised as a core partner from the start, bringing deep community knowledge and expertise to shape key decisions and support lasting change,” said Caroline Taylor, CEO of ECF. 

The vision sets out three core priorities for civil society in Essex: 

• Recognition of the vital role the voluntary sector plays in communities  

• Genuine partnership in the design and delivery of services  

• Sustained investment in communities  

The vision further outlines what the sector offers to achieve these priorities, and what statutory partners need to provide to ensure they are fully realised. 

By positioning civil society as a trusted partner and driver of system transformation, the vision emphasises collaboration, shared priorities, and long-term commitment, ensuring that communities’ needs remain central to decision-making and service delivery. 

The vision is launched with strong backing from 43 organisations across Greater Essex, including 37 VCSE sector organisations, and 6 statutory partners, demonstrating broad cross-sector support and shared commitment. 

Endorsers voiced their support:

Ideas Hub Chelmsford:

“This initiative fills in a longstanding gap.”

 

 

 

Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant Action:

“The voluntary sector in Essex are often the only representatives, accessible support services and advocates for the most marginalised and vulnerable among us. Including us is key to a strong and stable Essex.”

 

 

 

SNAP Charity:

“Families rely on charities to provide trusted support, insight and early intervention that makes a real difference to their lives. A shared commitment to partnership and long-term investment in the voluntary sector will help ensure communities across Essex continue to thrive.”

 

 

 

Diocese of Chelmsford:

“Partnership working across Essex is a real strength – and we absolutely must work to ensure that it continues to thrive during this time of transition.”

 

 

 

Colchester City Council:

“It is encouraging to see Essex Community Foundation coming together with colleagues from the Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise sectors to develop the vision. The move towards a progressive civil society which supports all residents in partnership with local government and public sector partners is most welcome.”

 

 

 

Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner for Essex:

“The PFCC recognises the vital role of the VCS across Essex and demonstrates this through commissioning local organisations to deliver frontline services… In 2025, the PFCC invested over £6m in the sector, reflecting the scale of our reliance on the sector’s expertise and underlining our confidence in the value it delivers.”

NHS Mid and East ICB:

“We are proud to work with community groups, support the aims of this vision and thank ECF for it.”

 

 

Call to action: 

Supporters from civil society and statutory partners are encouraged to endorse the vision, reflect on their role, and identify practical actions through collective action, partnership, collaboration, and investment. Engaging in this way helps embed civil society at the heart of Essex’s future, strengthening communities and creating lasting impact. 

Organisations and partners are invited to read the vision and add their endorsement-  Click here

For any questions contact: policy@essexcf.org.uk 

Press contact: Julia Esse, Policy & Communications Manager 

E-mail: julia@essexcf.org.uk 

Tel:  01245 355947