So You Want To Be A Philanthropist?

Creating a lasting legacy is not just for those with a multimillion-pound lifestyle, it’s a rewarding way for many of us to make a real difference in our lifetime and beyond. Essex Life talks to Essex Community Foundation about the best ways to pick your way through the maze of charitable giving

IN THE outpouring of grief that followed the death of pop superstar George Michael last Christmas, it was rewarding to hear of his anonymous generosity to many ‘ordinary’ people. Never one to shy away from donating to charity in his lifetime, it was the individual stories of how he paid £15,000 for a stranger’s IVF treatment and gave a £5,000 tip to help a student nurse pay off her debts, which made headlines nationwide.

Having both the financial stability and the inclination to help those less fortunate than yourself is to be admired, but one of the greatest challenges is knowing how best to achieve those charitable goals and ensure the money reaches those who need it most.

One organisation that works hard to translate those ambitions into reality is Essex Community Foundation (ECF), a leading independent charitable trust dedicated to improving the quality of life for people across Essex.

The foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2016 and over the last two decades, ECF has awarded some 6,000 grants totalling £30 million to voluntary organisations and individuals, while also establishing 133 charitable funds for individuals, families, businesses and public agencies.

Jo Murphy, head of communications at ECF, explains: ‘It’s really important for people to realise that no matter how big or small their financial wealth, they can make a difference by leaving a legacy for generations to come. We often meet with professional advisers and their clients to explain how the foundation works and that you don’t need to be another Bill Gates or George Michael to be able to help people.