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

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$169M

granted from ECCF funds in support of important causes

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15,487

grants awarded to nonprofits and students in Essex County and beyond

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344

fundholders 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?

ECCF helps us think outside the box. They understand where we’re coming from. I think of them as early investors in ideas, concepts, programs and artists. They get what’s happening in the community.

AARON CLAUSEN

PLANNING DIRECTOR, CITY OF LYNN | NORTH SHORE MAGAZINE, APRIL 2024

Working in Lynn and living in Salem, I have witnessed ECCF’s impact on our communities and the invaluable partnerships with funders, nonprofits and community leaders that power this critical work.

DONEECA THURSTON-CHAVEZ

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LYNN MUSEUM & ARTS | ECCF BOARD MEMBER

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

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

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

In the early days of ECCF, I was executive director of a small affordable homeownership program in Lawrence. During those initial years there were so many valuable ways that ECCF created spaces for community and nonprofit leaders to come together…As our collaborations grew stronger, so did the scope and impact of ECCF’s mission and strategies. I am so grateful for ECCF’s 25 years of commitment to the people of Essex County and for the ways it continues to evolve to meet the challenges of the day. As I was leaving my work in Lawrence, ECCF was the perfect partner to host my family’s scholarship fund for Lawrence youth. This service is just one of the many ways that ECCF supports efforts that create opportunities that prioritize equity by recognizing current and future leaders for social change. 

MARY MARRA

DONOR-ADVISOR, GIANGRANDE FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP FUND AT ECCF | FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BREAD & ROSES HOUSING

25th anniversary news

View our 25th Celebration Highlight Video

thank you to our corporate partners

ECCF Logo in White Overlay

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500 Cummings Center, Suite 5450
Beverly, Massachusetts 01915