The Essex Rural Fund has been established by the Rural Community Council of Essex (RCCE) within Essex Community Foundation specifically to support community groups and charities working in rural areas of the county. RCCE is a charity that has been working with rural communities in Essex since 1929 and aims to help create a better future for Essex villages.

Essex is a rural county – over 70% of its land area is rural, around a quarter of the population lives in rural communities and its coastline is the longest of any county in England. Many Essex villages present a picture of tranquillity which masks the poor access to services and isolation experienced by many rural people today. Simple, practical issues such as visiting family or getting to work when there is no transport, or buying a pint of milk when there is no shop can seem insurmountable.

Villages have always done a lot for themselves. This tradition continues with amenities such as village halls and play schemes as well as numerous clubs and societies run almost entirely by volunteers. Some enterprising communities have even set up their own shops and transport services. With support and encouragement local people can rise to the challenge and keep the heart of their communities beating!