REPRESENTATIVES from 18 Essex-based voluntary and community groups attended an annual awards ceremony at the Essex Record Office in Chelmsford to receive certificates and grants totalling �65,701 from the Essex County Council’s Essex Millennium Fund and the Chairman’s Fund.

In his speech, Cllr Rodney Bass, chairman of the council, praised the voluntary and community organisations present and thanked them for all that they are doing.

He said: “Essex is such a diverse county with differing pockets of need. It is always so inspiring to hear about the projects and activities that voluntary organisations are delivering in their communities to help local people.“

He continued the judging panel are always impressed with the diverse range of activities that need funding and reminded everyone present of the importance of these two endowed funds in that they will continue to improve the quality of life of people in Essex for generations to come.

Among the charities to be presented with cheques by Cllr Bass were:

• Support 4 Sight based in Saffron Walden received �6,000 towards the cost of providing support services to visually impaired people at eye clinics in Braintree, Chelmsford, Uttlesford and Harlow.

• Saffron Walden Arts Trust received �3,500 towards the costs of running the Arts Festival in the town.

The Essex Millennium Fund was established as an endowed fund within Essex Community Foundation by members of Essex County Council to celebrate the Millennium.

The fund, which provides an annual income for a grants programme has to date, distributed over �705,000 to voluntary and community groups working within four priority areas; carers, community support, enhancing the environment and young people.

The Chairman’s Fund was established with the Community Foundation in 2007 to support voluntary and community groups which are working to enrich the lives of people in their local community by participation in activities exploring culture and heritage. Since it was established 28 organisations have benefited from grants totalling �104,000.

Essex Community Foundation manages 80 named Funds on behalf of a wide range of donors. Charities and voluntary groups are encouraged to contact the Foundation for information about how to apply for a grant by visiting their website essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk or by calling the grants team on 01245 356018.