MORE than 10,000 charities throughout Essex could benefit from a new national campaign encouraging people to give to causes they care about. Spearheaded by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), and supported by Essex Community Foundatio

MORE than 10,000 charities throughout Essex could benefit from a new national campaign encouraging people to give to causes they care about.

Spearheaded by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), and supported by Essex Community Foundation, the 'What Do You Believe In?' campaign will encourage people to actively support organisations striving to make a difference to their local community or wider society.

Chief executive of NCVO, Stuart Etherington, said: "There are thousands of charities in Essex doing amazing things in local communities thanks to fantastic donations and support from the public.

"Lots of small donations make a big difference to the support they can provide. If everyone in Britain gave just �1 more a week, we'd raise an extra �3.1bn to help thousands more people.

"Everyone from regular donors, to those who have stopped and those who have never given before can help."

Essex Community Foundation has been working since 1996 to revitalise local communities through effective charitable giving. Over �15 million has been distributed to local charities from funds managed by the Foundation.

Chief executive of Essex Community Foundation, Laura Warren, said: "We are delighted to support this campaign as we see on a daily basis the difference that small amounts of money can make when invested in dynamic local organisations whose ability to change lives for the better is only inhibited by a lack of money."

One recent example is the Dunmow Blind and Housebound Social Club which provides support and activities for people who are blind or partially sighted. The organisation received �1,490 towards their running costs

As part of the campaign, four top tips are being promoted to help people give more to charity:

1. Identify charities working in your areas of interest by visiting websites such as www.thebiggive.org.uk or www.cafonline.org to search through thousands of charity projects in specific geographic or subject areas and donate to them online.

2. Research organisations you are interested in by looking at their website and/or the Charity Commission to ensure you understand how and where your money will be spent.

3. Local - Don't forget to think about giving locally. Contact Essex Community Foundation who can help direct your money to local causes on 01245 355947 or at www.essexcommunityfoundation.co.uk

4. Gift Aid - Don't forget to apply for Gift Aid (tax relief on your donation). This means the Government will reimburse your chosen organisation with the income tax you have already paid on the money.

For more information visit www.whatdoyoubelievein.org.uk or www.essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk