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 £157,000 over the next three years (to March 2011) on a 2:1 basis so, 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 Essex Community Foundation's website or you can send a cheque made payable to 'The Southend Fund' to:

Essex Community Foundation 121 New London Road Chelmsford Essex CM2 0QT

Please ensure that you advise us if you would like us to claim Gift Aid on your donation, to add an additional 28% at no cost to you, or alternatively use the form below.

Donation/Gift Aid Form