PROJECTS in Harlow and all across Essex providing help to disadvantaged children, people who are homeless, advocacy for disabled people, a summer theatre programme for young people and a project helping migrants to integrate into their local community, are among those given much-needed funding in the latest round of grants from the Essex Millennium Fund and the Essex County Council’s Chairman’s Fund.

Harlow Arts Council, the Livewire Trust and the Berecroft Residents Association were among 19 charities and voluntary organisations to share in grants totalling £74,768.

Grants totalling £74,768 were presented from the two funds to 19 Essex-based charities and voluntary organisations at a ceremony held at the Essex Record Office.

The funds, managed by the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation (ECF), give ongoing support for initiatives to enhance the lives of people living in Essex.

At the presentation event Cllr Norman Hume, Chairman of Essex County Council, paid tribute to the 10,000 voluntary organisations in Essex for the contribution they make in the county.

He also praised representatives of voluntary groups attending the awards night: “My time in office has been a great journey. I have visited many organisations and I have learned so much about the work being done in local communities. I have met the most extraordinary people and volunteers without whom, Essex would be a poorer place to live.“

“I want to thank ECF for working with us to identify the organisations seeking support for their work which really meets the needs of people in the community.”

The Essex Millennium Fund was established as an endowed fund within Essex Community Foundation by members of Essex County Council to celebrate the Millennium. The fund, which provides an annual income for a grants programme, distributes funds to voluntary and community groups working within four priority areas, carers, community support, enhancing the environment and young people.

The Chairman’s Fund was established with ECF in 2007 to support voluntary and community groups working to enrich the lives of people in their local communities through activities exploring culture and heritage.

Giving recognition to the impact of the funds Cllr Hume added : “It is very gratifying to know that since these two funds were established by the County Council, grants totalling nearly £1.1 million have been awarded to voluntary organisations working in all corners of Essex. As these funds are endowed and managed by ECF, they will continue to give support to local groups in need, year on year.”

Caroline Taylor, chief executive of ECF said: “A grant can be a lifeline for an organisation and we know that the voluntary sector needs substantial and prolonged investment in order to survive. Grants that are accessible, flexible and independently managed are an essential part of the local funding mix for any community organisation.

“Through the Millennium Fund and the Chairman’s Fund, grants are awarded to benefit the people of Essex in perpetuity. “

Essex Community Foundation, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, manages 120 charitable funds on behalf of a wide range of donors and is one of the leading community foundations in the country. Since it was set up in 1996 the Foundation has distributed grants totalling £26 million to voluntary and community groups in Essex.