celebrating 25 years

at the heart of Essex County

In 2024, Essex County Community Foundation celebrates 25 years of service to Essex County. From a grassroots nonprofit capacity-building organization to the regional leader in positive, systemic change we are today, ECCF is so proud to commemorate this milestone and share this celebration of 25 years with you: our friends, neighbors and partners in philanthropy.

Join us for 25th anniversary stories, events and social media campaigns that honor ECCF’s rich past and explore the possibilities of the future we can create together.

eccf’s impact over 25 years

$169M

granted from ECCF funds in support of important causes

15,487

grants awarded to nonprofits and students in Essex County and beyond

300

donor advisors that partner with ECCF to elevate their giving

what impact has eccf had in the community?

To help Essex County Community Foundation celebrate 25 years of serving the cities and towns of Essex County, we asked local leaders: What impact has ECCF had in the community?

I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary impact that ECCF has had on the Lawrence community and by extension the Merrimack Valley. ECCF fosters community engagement and leadership on issues that matter most to the residents. Additionally, the foundation drives economic growth and strengthens the fabric of the community.

GEORGE RAMIREZ

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LAWRENCE PARTNERSHIP

ECCF has elevated our local use of data and research to identify leverage points for positive change. Working hand in hand with public and private sector and local nonprofits like HAWC, ECCF has created the ecosystem of partnerships and inspired philanthropy necessary to act on those leverage points. Thank you ECCF for leading 25 years of forward-thinking investment in Essex County.

SARA STANLEY

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HAWC

ECCF has not only advanced and supported critical services and programs throughout the region, but they have also elevated the way so many of us think about the work. And more importantly, they have changed the way we DO the work.

DEREK MITCHELL

CO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT, LEADS

25th anniversary news

Root’s longtime partnership with ECCF helps fuel big impact

On May 16, 2024, the clouds threatened rain for much of the day. But in the hours leading up to the annual celebration for Salem-based nonprofit Root, the skies cleared…

During ECCF’s silver anniversary, the IFT celebrates 15 years

For hundreds of nonprofit leaders, the annual Institute for Trustees (IFT) has become, as Bonnie Bain from Salem Alliance for…

A Community Foundation is Born

Like many origin stories, the story of how Essex County Community Foundation came to be is filled with challenges and opportunities, obstacles and perseverance. And, just like many worthwhile origin stories, it…

ECCF Marks its 25th Year

Dear ECCF Friend, Happy New Year! I hope your 2024 is off to a peaceful and healthy start. As I look back on 2023, the last 12 months have been filled both with challenges and achievements, much like every other year that’s come before. But 2023 was also very…

ECCF marks 25 years of service to Essex County

Twenty-five years ago, in 1999, a small organization founded the previous year to help build capacity within Essex County’s nonprofit community officially became Essex…