For information about how ECF helps Essex businesses to give locally, click here.
ECF announced as Birkett Long’s charity of the year
5th August 2021
Birkett Long has announced Essex Community Foundation (ECF) as its new charity of the year.
For the past two years, the firm’s charity of the year has been Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. Despite being in lockdown for over half this time, meaning fundraising opportunities were more limited, the firm is proud to have raised over £5,000.
Birkett Long staff have continued to take part in events such as a Christmas floristry workshop, monthly dress down days, buying items from the office tuckshops and taking time to complete surveys.
This year the firm will raise funds and work with ECF, the independent charitable trust, to identify charities in Basildon, Chelmsford and Colchester to give direct donations to. Each year the Foundation awards around £5 million in grants to charities and community organisations working in the county. These groups provide support at the grassroots of their communities helping people of all ages.
Victoria Fenner, from Birkett Long’s Events and Fundraising Committee, said: “We are delighted to announce our new charity of the year. We care for our clients, our communities and each other and we feel that Essex Community Foundation reflects our own values.”
The firm’s late Senior Partner, Christopher J Holmes, OBE DL, was involved with ECF as a Trustee between 2000 and 2009, and ECF also manages his charitable fund.
Perry Norton, Head of Development at ECF, said: “We are excited to work with the team at Birkett Long, introducing them to the smaller, local charities and voluntary organisations who carry out vital work in the communities near to their offices.
“We look forward to engaging their staff in this process and increasing their knowledge and awareness of the needs in these different areas.”
Young Eco Defenders join the fight against climate change in Chelmsford
3rd August 2021
Reposted from InYourArea.
A Chelmsford-based charity has launched an inspiring new project which aims to empower 15 ten to 11-year-olds with a passion for nature and the environment to change the environment and society for the better.
The Wilderness Foundation offers nature-based outreach programmes and nature therapy to youths and adults.
Thanks to funding from the Essex Community Foundation and support from the #iwill youth social action campaign, the Wilderness Foundation is offering a free outdoor club, Eco Defenders, aiming to actively educate a new group of young people on how to look after the environment.
They will also explore why there is a need to tackle climate change and how everyone can do their bit to ensure the environment is safe for future generations.
The club is designed to teach children a wide range of skills such as ‘grow your own’, designing gardens for wildlife, nature craft, recycling, local fauna and flora, how to protect eco-systems, community engagement and much more.
Carolin Rogers, project leader of Eco Defenders, said: “We desperately need to encourage our young people to find out how they can connect to nature so that they can learn about their natural environment and take ownership of it in order to increase the chance of looking after it.
“At the end of ten and 11, young people start to make their first own major decisions as they go through the transition from primary to secondary school.
“This project is their chance to become part of something big and worthwhile, to have a voice and for that voice to be heard and respected.”
The recent launch of the government’s new scheme to boost tree planting presents one of many opportunities to get young people actively involved in climate and social action. Eco Defenders is hoping to join local government planting projects later in the year.
Jo Roberts, CEO of Wilderness Foundation UK said: “Covid enabled so many of us, young and old, to connect with the natural world and to draw benefits from it for mental and physical health.
“Our Eco Defenders programme takes this engagement further for those who really connected and want to do more about protecting the natural world. They will work for a year on developing their leadership skills and honing their impact as young change-makers for the environment. We cannot wait to see what they will achieve.”
The Eco Defenders programme will run primarily at the Wilderness Foundation ‘Down to Earth’ allotments at Melbourne Park in Chelmsford, Essex. The programme began on Monday, July 26 with a one-week ‘summer camp’ consisting of daily sessions from 10am to 3pm.
Thereafter, sessions will continue to run from 10am to noon on Saturday mornings and 4pm to 6pm on Wednesday afternoons until approximately May 2022.
Booking is essential. For more information, contact the Wilderness Foundation UK on 0300 1233073, email carolin@wildernessfoundation.org.uk or visit their website here.
An update on our support for the sector
15th July 2021
We have been pleased to support local organisations to either respond to the crisis or sustain their operations during this period of uncertainty by awarding 318 grants totalling £2.7 million from our Essex Coronavirus Response and Recovery Programme. This level of giving is only possible thanks to the generous people who gave to our Appeal and the fundholders who repurposed their funds to respond to this unprecedented situation. In addition, we have worked with Essex County Council to distribute a further £542,753 to 37 local organisations.
We know through conversations and the applications we receive, that many voluntary organisations have experienced significant increases in demand for their services, as the issues they tackle are exacerbated by the pandemic. Older people who live alone have felt more isolated than ever before, incidents of domestic abuse during lockdown increased as did the number of people, of all ages, whose mental health was affected. Young people, in particular, have struggled as their schooling was interrupted and they could not spend time or socialise with friends.
A positive that has come out of the pandemic has been the responsiveness and flexibility of local charities and community organisations to set up services quickly and continually adapt throughout each lockdown and as restrictions changed. Their ability to respond to the changing needs of their communities, willingness to work in partnership, be innovative and not afraid to try new ways of working, has been inspiring and a lifeline to those who have needed their help.
We have seen great comradery and community spirit and we commend all the staff and volunteers and thank them for their hard work and dedication during this challenging time.
Looking forward, we are committed to increasing our support for charities, voluntary and community organisations in Essex. We want to listen and understand what they have learnt from working through the pandemic and will consider how our grantmaking can best support them to embed their new ways of working and build resilience for the future.
If you are organisation that continues to need funding in response to the pandemic, to either adapt or expand services or ensure your operation is COVID secure so you can reopen safely, please call us on 01245 356018.
If you want to read about the charities and voluntary organisations we are supporting, please look at the Community Spotlight section of our website. We are adding new groups all the time.
Andy Payne Worpole
Head of Programmes
If you would like to donate and support your local communities in Essex, give online now via JustGiving: https://justgiving.com/campaign/ECFAcorn
“Lifeline” organisation receives significant funding boost
12th July 2021
West Essex based disability charity Accuro (Care Services) have been awarded £20,000 from the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation (ECF).
The funding, which comes from the Essex Coronavirus Response and Recovery Programme, will be used by the charity to help with the additional costs associated with tackling COVID-19, keeping clubs and services safe and the R rate low.
The charity provides social and leisure opportunities for children, young people and adults with a disability across West Essex, enabling members to make friends, build confidence and self-esteem and develop life skills.
During the national lockdowns and while restrictions were in place, Accuro had to suspend face to face services, quickly taking to online sessions via Zoom and support calls over the phone, keeping members connected with friends from their clubs and the Accuro team.
In a recent survey of its members and their families, the charity found that while the online provisions during the national lockdown were well received, members were keen to return to in-person clubs and services when it was safe to do so.
Accuro’s Operations Manager Alison McKeown commented, “At Accuro, we aim to reduce loneliness and social isolation among people with a disability and to do this, the provision of in-person services is incredibly important.
“The additional costs associated with keeping our clubs and services safe and operational at this time are significant, so we were thrilled to be awarded this funding. This grant will help us to provide essential equipment and training, ensuring the safety of our members, staff and volunteers.
“As in-person clubs and services return, this funding will enable Accuro to help keep people safe and be able to continue providing in person COVID-secure activities and new projects outside including a walking group for adults.
Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF, said: “During the pandemic Accuro quickly moved their sessions online, providing virtual activities as well as emotional support. This was a lifeline for their members during a very difficult time and we are pleased to support Accuro as they take the first steps to resume their normal activities.”
To find out more about Accuro (Care Services), please visit www.accuro.org.uk
SUPPORT ECF’S ACORN FUND CHALLENGE and help local charities like Accuro.
ECF is running the ‘Acorn Fund Challenge’, appealing for donations and matching them on a 2 to 1 basis. This means that for every £2 received, ECF will add £1, and if Gift Aid can be claimed, it nearly doubles the value of donations.
- Give online through: https://justgiving.com/campaign/ECFAcorn
- To give by card over the phone call us on 01245 355947
- Send a cheque to Essex Community Foundation at 121 New London Road, Chelmsford CM2 0QT.
- Speak to us if you want to make a donation by bank transfer or to set up a regular gift
- For more information email perry@essexcf.org.uk
Local charity reopens with a splash
A water activities centre set in the Lee Valley Country Park is making a splash after re-opening for customers in a Covid-secure way.
New outdoor handwashing facilities and other measures to combat Coronavirus have been installed at The ESSA Water Activities Centre, thanks to a grant of £2,000 from the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF.)
Now people of all ages can once again enjoy activities on the centre’s beautiful 22-acre lagoon in Nazeing, Broxbourne.
ESSA, a registered charity and RYA training centre, caters for schools,youth groups, individuals, families, corporate events and parties and runs a wide range of courses and activities.
The charity’s work helps young people to achieve their full potential physically, intellectually and socially through sailing and other water-based activities.
Training courses and activities for all ages at the centre include RYA sailing, RYA Powerboat and Safety boat, RYA Windsurfing, Dragon Boat helm, traditional rafting award, British Canoeing Start and Discover courses, Kayaking, Foundation Safety and Rescue training, Mega SUP and wobble boarding.
Volunteers play an important role at the centre. Several have gone into sea-based careers or sports associated industries and one was inspired to take up their education in marine biology.
When ESSA was looking to re-open after lockdown extra facilities were needed to ensure the centre complied with all the relevant Covid regulations and guidelines.
The grant from ECF helped ESSA meet the cost of installing new outdoor handwashing facilities which included new water pipe laying. The centre has also introduced ways to ensure social distancing and resources to deep clean every boat after use.
Kevin Downton, treasurer at ESSA said: “We are grateful to ECF for the grant which made it possible to re-open ESSA in a Covid secure way and provide hygienic outdoor hand washing facilities for our customers.
“We have had very positive customer feedback about our re-opening and that we are operating in a Covid secure manner.”
To discuss your funding needs, please call the ECF grants team on 01245 356018.
SUPPORT ECF’S ACORN FUND CHALLENGE and help local charities and groups like ESSA.
ECF is running the ‘Acorn Fund Challenge’, appealing for donations and matching them on a 2 to 1 basis. This means that for every £2 received, ECF will add £1, and if Gift Aid can be claimed, it nearly doubles the value of donations.
- Give online through: https://justgiving.com/campaign/ECFAcorn
- To give by card over the phone call us on 01245 355947
- Send a cheque to Essex Community Foundation at 121 New London Road, Chelmsford CM2 0QT.
- Speak to us if you want to make a donation by bank transfer or to set up a regular gift
- For more information email perry@essexcf.org.uk
Fund launched to help communities tackle local issues
5th July 2021
Applications are now open for a community fund which tackles the big issues that matter to Braintree District residents.
Voluntary and community organisations are being invited to apply to the Braintree District and Eastlight Community Fund, run by Braintree District Council and Eastlight Community Homes.
For the first time, grants of between £500 and £5,000 are available for smaller scale grassroots organisations that make a big impact for people in the Braintree district. Larger awards of up to £40,000 over three years continue to be available.
A panel made up of Eastlight and Braintree District Council representatives especially want to hear about schemes which address the challenges which concern Braintree residents as we emerge from the pandemic.
Organisations that can apply for this funding include charities, residents’ groups, social enterprises and other non-profit organisations.
Projects should either improve health and wellbeing, provide opportunities for young people or offer training to local people to improve their skills.
James Green, Eastlight’s Community Investment Director, said: “This fund is here to support brilliant projects that help local people with the issues they care deeply about.
“During the pandemic, we saw local community groups and smaller organisations offering a lifeline to people in Braintree district. The smaller grants we’re introducing could enable a range of organisations to continue their fantastic work.”
Last year, grants included £20,000 to Action for Family Carers to support young carers and £31,832 to Braintree, Halstead & Witham Citizens Advice to help disabled people.
Councillor Frankie Ricci, Cabinet Member for Communities at Braintree District Council, said: “Braintree District Council are proud to continue partnering with Eastlight Community Homes for this fund which will make a real difference to our communities. The introduction of the smaller grants will hopefully encourage a wider range of groups to access vital funding to support those in need within our communities.”
The Fund is managed by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF), which has a strong track record of supporting community organisations to access the funding and support they need.
Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF said: “This Fund is a great resource for charities and voluntary groups working in Braintree District to tap into.
“We know that a small amount of money can go a long way in helping to deliver local projects and activities and we urge organisations to contact us to discuss their ideas and funding needs.”
How to apply:
For more information on eligibility and to complete our online application form, please click here.
You are also encouraged to call the ECF grants team to discuss your idea and funding needs in advance of completing this.
The deadline to submit is 5pm on Friday 27 August.
| Grant size | Duration | Application process | Decision time frame | |
| Small Grants | £500 -£5k | One year | Please apply online using the ECF application form. | You will have a decision by the end of September 2021. You will need to start spending your grant by November 2021. |
| Large Grants | £10k -£40k
Min: £3,300 per year Max: £13,300 per year |
Up to three years
£40,000 over three years not £40,000 each year for three years. |
As a large fund, we are using a two-stage process. Please apply online using the ECF application form. If you are invited through to the second stage in September 2021, we will contact you with some additional questions.
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Due to the two-stage application process we anticipate final panel decisions in December, and you will need to start spending your grant by January 2022. |