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
![So You Want To Be A Philanthropist?](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/10252/248524/59f9ac5b1847a/So-You-Want-To-Be-A-Philanthropist.jpg)
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.
Denne historien er fra November 2017-utgaven av Essex Life.
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Denne historien er fra November 2017-utgaven av Essex Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
![The rise of maskne](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8eea3b74f95/crp_The-rise-of-maskne.jpg)
The rise of maskne
With the term ‘maskne’ becoming an increasingly common search online and on social media, Krystal Prince explains what it is and how you can control mask-induced acne
![The forgotten lady](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8ee4f29cb7e/crp_The-forgotten-lady.jpg)
The forgotten lady
Charlotte Christie shares the life story of Anne Knight, an Essex pioneer for the abolition of slavery and women’s suffrage who’s achievements have almost been air-brushed from history
![Stride out in the Sampfords](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8ee1abd46f5/crp_Stride-out-in-the-Sampfords.jpg)
Stride out in the Sampfords
This charming, circular winter walk takes you on a tour from the village of Great Sampford to its neighbour, Little Sampford, and back again
![MUCH TO TALK ABOUT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8ee816a7c9d/crp_MUCH-TO-TALKABOUT.jpg)
MUCH TO TALK ABOUT
As a presenter on Sky Music and the host of two TV talk shows of her own on Gidea Park-based Sky channel Spotlight TV, Hayley Palmer is never short of words. Nicky Adams asks her how she came to be in front of the camera
![LIFE and SOUL](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8edcff21042/crp_LIFE-and-SOUL.jpg)
LIFE and SOUL
Radio 1 broadcaster and producer Charlie Hedges began her career as Britain’s youngest breakfast show host and is now one of the world’s most successful female DJs. Denise Marshall caught up with the Essex-based queen of the air waves
![Lest we forget](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8edeb89888f/crp_Lest-we-forget.jpg)
Lest we forget
Remembrance Sunday will have a special poignance this month as 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Stephen Roberts profiles how much the county of Essex contributed to the war effort and how much it cost
![Lakeside Magic](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8ee0a0a18f8/crp_Lakeside-Magic.jpg)
Lakeside Magic
The Lake House, nestled in Mill End on the outskirts of the village of Bradwell on Sea, has been owned by the same family for 60 years and was once a thriving four-buoy water-ski lake.
![Keep on running](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8edba961078/crp_Keep-on-running.jpg)
Keep on running
BBC presenter and director David Whiteley shares his insightful view on stories from across the county of Essex
![Cheers!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8ee95b8a192/crp_Cheers.jpg)
Cheers!
Starting to get that festive vibe? Why not plan ahead by selecting not only the drinks you want to serve this Christmas, but also ticking off a few presents too?
![A doggy day out on… Saffron Walden](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10252/539806/5f8ee2e749993/crp_A-doggy-day-out-on-Saffron-Walden.jpg)
A doggy day out on… Saffron Walden
Join Ernie, the county’s most famous Westie, as he steps back in time on a trip to this medieval market town