Local Giving For Local Causes
Many people would like to contribute to their community but often make donations to national charities because they are not aware of local charities and the work they do. The Southend Fund provides a channel for individuals, families, companies, local charitable trusts and public funded bodies to support the community in which they live and work. There are over six hundred charities in our area which our Fund can help support.
We want the Southend Fund to be the focus for local charitable giving. With its proven record in growing over time, voluntary organisations in Southend will have a unique resource to help fund their charitable activities, now and in the long term.
Grassroots Endowment Challenge
The Government's £50 million Grassroots Grants Challenge Fund promotes local giving by encouraging donors to support small community projects. The £50m challenge programme, by far the largest such fund ever provided, will be used to create a direct cash incentive for individuals and businesses to to give money to build endowed funds to provide long term funding for local voluntary groups.
Southend has been allocated £211,000 over three years (to March 2011) on a 2:1 basis e.g. for every £2 that you give the Government will add £1. Gift aid is also included in the match funding so, if you are a taxpayer, your donation can be almost doubled.
Example: £100 plus Gift Aid (28%) = £128 plus match funding @2:1 (50%) = £192
You can give on-line via JustGiving by clicking here or you can send a cheque made payable to The Southend Fund to:
Download a donation form...... 
Essex Community Foundation
121 New London Road
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 0QT