Our new year’s message this year was given by Nick Alston. Nick is Chair of the Trustee Board of Essex Community Foundation and he spoke to us about its work. As with all charitable organisations, the impact of the pandemic has meant that the trust has experienced loss of fundraising and income, and by the end of March 2020, staff members were all working remotely.
When lockdown happened, ECF simplified their application programme, which meant that they could respond to organisations quickly and in some cases confirm funding within 15 days of receiving an application. One of their main aims is to join people with need with people with resources.
Whatever the future holds, they will remain strongly committed to supporting the voluntary sector in Essex.