Essex County Community Foundation

The Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF) is a nonprofit organization based in Essex County, Massachusetts. It was established in 1998 with the mission of inspiring philanthropy that strengthens local communities by managing charitable assets, supporting nonprofits, and engaging in strategic community leadership initiatives.

Mission and Values

ECCF aims to improve the quality of life in the 34 towns and cities of Essex County. Its core values include integrity, collaboration, equity, inclusivity, and joy. These values guide ECCF in fostering authentic relationships across communities and advancing social change[1].

Activities

• Partnering with Donors and Professional Advisors: ECCF helps donors enhance their giving by managing charitable assets and providing philanthropic guidance.
• Strengthening and Supporting Nonprofits: ECCF supports over 4,000 local nonprofit organizations with education, resources, and funding[1].
• Systems-Based Community Leadership: ECCF employs a Systems Philanthropy approach to address complex social issues, investing in community leadership initiatives to drive systemic change[2].

Initiatives and Focus Areas

ECCF emphasizes several key areas to ensure the well-being of Essex County:

• Successful Schools and Students
• Safe, Clean, and Green Neighborhoods
• Strong Job and Economic Opportunities
• Vibrant Arts and Culture Experiences
• Healthy People[1].

ECCF also prioritizes digital equity, working to empower residents with the tools needed to navigate the digital world. In 2023, ECCF awarded significant funding to nonprofits addressing this issue[2].

Racial Equity and Justice

Following increased awareness of racial inequities, ECCF developed a comprehensive plan to advance racial equity and justice. This includes building staff capacity, recruiting diverse leadership, and engaging in advocacy efforts to create more equitable systems in Essex County[3].

Operations

ECCF manages nearly 240 charitable funds, providing over a thousand grants annually to local nonprofits and students. The organization ensures financial sustainability by charging competitive fees for its services, which support its community leadership work[5].

Leadership and Governance

The ECCF Board of Directors reflects a diverse range of professional backgrounds and community representation. The board conducts regular assessments of its performance and CEO oversight, ensuring a transparent and inclusive governance process[5].