A SPECIAL year of celebration has been launched by the county’s leading independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF) to mark its 30^th anniversary.

The Foundation is also celebrating a milestone in its grant-giving, having awarded £60 million worth of funding to good causes in Essex, as well as a new strategy which includes raising a further £30 million, and being a strong voice for the voluntary sector.

Nick Alston CBE DL, who has chaired ECF for nearly seven years, paid tribute to the generosity of Essex people when he welcomed the start of the Foundation’s anniversary year, at a special event held at Braxted Park. 

He said: “It’s remarkable to think it was 30 years ago that our visionary founders, Ian and Angela Marks, began rallying people to help bring to life what was, at the time, an ambitious new idea, the creation of Essex Community Foundation. 

“That’s three decades of families creating legacies, of businesses stepping up, of communities placing their trust in the Foundation. Trustees, past and present, have asked big questions, listened to those closest to the issues and responded with care. Our supporters are the people who give and help us build a fairer, kinder, more connected county.

“If the last period has been about building momentum, the next will be about bold expansion. I am excited to launch this year-long anniversary celebration for ECF. Our 30th anniversary won’t just be retrospective.  Looking to the future we will continue doing what we do best: connecting people who want to give, with communities who have ideas, passion, and urgent needs. Our theme is simple, 30 Years of Generosity.  

“ECF’s 2030 Strategy is, rightly, ambitious and reflects a new strand of work.  This is to be a strong, bold voice for the voluntary sector, which absolutely needs a seat at the table to help decide policies which affect the community. We are determined to use our influence to promote the vital role of civil society. This does not detract from our core purpose, which remains unchanged, inspiring philanthropic giving and supporting grassroots charities.