20 Years, 20 Voices: The Duke of Richmond

20 Years, 20 Voices celebrates the people, charities, donors and partners who have helped shape Sussex Community Foundation over the past two decades.

Twenty years ago, the late 10th Duke of Richmond established Sussex Community Foundation with a simple but powerful belief: that local people could make an extraordinary difference to the communities around them if they were given the means to do so.

His son, the 11th Duke of Richmond, has continued that commitment to Sussex, supporting the Foundation’s work and championing the importance of local giving. As the Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary, he reflects on his father’s vision, the power of grassroots organisations and the future of philanthropy in Sussex.

A vision for local giving

The Duke’s father understood Sussex, its character, its communities and the challenges facing people across the county.

"He loved Sussex deeply. He understood its beauty, its character and its strong sense of community. But he also recognised something that many others overlooked. Behind the county's reputation for prosperity were areas and people facing genuine hardship, and remarkable charities working tirelessly, often with very little recognition or support."

He believed that some of the greatest impact comes from smaller organisations rooted in the communities they serve.

"He understood that the greatest difference is often made not by the largest organisations, but by the smallest groups working quietly within the areas they know best."

That belief was at the heart of why Sussex Community Foundation was created, to connect local generosity with local need.

"He wasn't trying to reinvent philanthropy. He simply wanted to make it easier for local generosity to reach local need."

The power of local communities

Over the past twenty years, the Foundation has grown into Sussex’s largest grant maker, supporting over 3,500 charities and community organisations across the county.

"One of the things I have always admired about the Foundation is that it has never sought the spotlight. Its work is often quiet, thoughtful and behind the scenes. Yet its impact is profound."

The Duke reflected on the vital role organisations play in supporting people every day, often with limited resources.

"We live in a world where it is often the biggest voices that are heard most clearly. Yet time and again it is the small, grassroots organisations – the local youth clubs, food banks, mental health charities, family support services and volunteer-led projects – that quietly hold neighbourhoods together."

A new chapter for local giving

Community has always been central to Goodwood’s work and, as part of Sussex Community Foundation’s 20th anniversary celebrations, the Duke announced the launch of the Goodwood Community Fund, administered in partnership with the Foundation.

The Fund will support smaller charities, grassroots projects and voluntary organisations across Sussex, helping Goodwood make its giving more focused and sustainable.

The Duke explained that the partnership builds on the same principles that inspired Sussex Community Foundation twenty years ago.

"As we looked to the future, however, we began asking ourselves a simple question. How could we ensure that our support for local people and organisations became even more effective?"

"The answer, we realised, had been with us all along."

Through the new fund, Goodwood will combine its commitment to supporting local communities with the Foundation’s expertise, trusted stewardship and understanding of local needs.

"This is not about creating something entirely new, but rather, it is about building upon foundations that were laid twenty years ago. It is about continuing a philosophy that my father believed in so passionately — that local people working together can transform local lives."

Looking ahead

As Sussex Community Foundation marks two decades, the Duke believes the future of local giving is full of possibility.

"The challenges facing our communities continue to evolve, but so too does the generosity, compassion and commitment of the people of Sussex."

For the Duke, the strongest legacies are those that continue to inspire action.

"I believe that the finest legacies are never finished — they simply pass into different hands."

Twenty years after his father established the Foundation, the Duke hopes the next chapter will see even more people coming together to support their communities.

"If more small charities are able to flourish... If more communities become stronger because neighbours choose to support neighbours... Then I believe we will have honoured not only the vision that inspired the Foundation, but the values that continue to shape it today."

20 Years, 20 Voices: Hannah Delmar-Addy

20 Years, 20 Voices celebrates the people, charities, donors and partners who have helped shape Sussex Community Foundation over the past two decades.

Hannah Delmar-Addy is the Outreach and Training Manager at Reaching Families, which received its very first grant from any funder from Sussex Community Foundation, of £750 in 2008. Since then, the charity has grown from running parent workshops in Worthing to supporting families across West Sussex through providing support groups, befriending, information, training, and benefits advice.

Reaching Families

Reaching Families is a peer led charity supporting families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in West Sussex. For Outreach and Training Manager Hannah Delmar-Addy, this mission is deeply personal and lived across the whole organisation.

“Everyone that works within the team has lived experience in some way, with most members of staff being parent carers themselves,” she explains. “We live and breathe it every day. There’s a real awareness and understanding of what it’s like to be a parent carer, and that shapes how we support families who come through the door.”

Hannah has been with Reaching Families for over seven years and leads on their Umbrella support groups and the organisation’s training programme for parents and carers, much of which is delivered online. She also heads up the team supporting families whose children are on the NHS pathway for ADHD and Autism assessment, providing vital “while you wait” support during what can often be a long and uncertain process.

Building understanding through training and support

A key part of support is helping families move from confusion and isolation to confidence and connection.

“One of the things we offer is our foundation course,” says Hannah. “It gives parents foundational knowledge about what they might need to know on their journey. We realised there was so much information out there that it could feel overwhelming, so we created something more accessible.”

Delivered over two days or a series of evenings, the course helps parents understand key processes such as Education, Health and Care Plans and assessment pathways, while also creating space to meet others in similar situations.

“What we see is families building networks of support,” Hannah explains. “They connect with people who understand their lived experience. That becomes just as important as the information they’re receiving.”

Those connections often last well beyond the course itself, forming informal support systems that parents can turn to each day.

“That’s really important,” she adds. “Because we might see families at a group once a month, but life is happening every day in between. It’s about building that wider circle of support.”

The challenges families face

The need for that support is significant. Families often arrive feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to turn, and uncertain which information they can trust.

“It varies for every family, but a large percentage feel overwhelmed,” Hannah says. “They don’t know where to turn or what information to trust. We’re very much that first point of contact – helping them navigate what’s out there and signposting them to support they can rely on.”

Growth, adaptation and new services

Since Hannah joined the organisation, Reaching Families has grown significantly. What began with just three local support groups now includes six in-person groups across West Sussex, alongside a growing online offer that has made services more accessible for working parents and families who cannot travel.

Like many organisations, the pandemic accelerated that shift.

“Covid pushed us to move online very quickly,” she says. “But it actually showed us how accessible that could be. Parents don’t have to worry about school runs or travel – they can access support in a way that fits their lives. So we kept it.”

Alongside this growth, the charity has developed new services including an ND (Neurodevelopmental) navigation service for families waiting for diagnosis, and a benefits advice service that has helped families access significant financial support.

“Last year, we helped raise about £3.2 million for families through supporting them to access benefits like DLA, PIP and Carer’s Allowance,” Hannah explains. “That comes from one-to-one support and making sure applications are as strong as they can be before submission.”

The importance of funding and partnership

Funding, she says, is essential.

“If we didn’t have funding, we wouldn’t be here. We offer all our services to families for free, and that's incredibly important because many are on low incomes. Funding allows us to expand our reach and make sure support is accessible to those who need it most."

Sussex Community Foundation has been part of that journey from the very beginning.

“Sussex Community Foundation has been alongside us right from the concept of Reaching Families through to where we are today.” says Hannah. “Without them, it wouldn’t be possible to do what we do. Fundraising has become increasingly challenging over the years, particularly with the impact of local government cuts and growing competition for funding. That makes the Foundation’s continued support even more valuable, giving us the confidence and stability to keep helping families when they need us most.”

What keeps the work going

Asked what keeps her going in such emotionally demanding work, Hannah is honest about the challenges.

“The hardest part is that we can’t fix everything,” she says. “There’s always more need than we can meet, and that can feel overwhelming. You meet families later in their journey and think, ‘we wish we’d known of you sooner.’”

But it’s the moments of connection that stay with her.

“Recently, a parent in our support group felt really isolated and braved coming back after a couple of years. They came through the doors feeling really vulnerable and just didn't feel like they fitted anywhere. They connected with another parent and agreed to meet outside of the group. For that one person, now their world feels like things are more possible”

Looking ahead

Looking ahead, Hannah hopes the organisation will continue to evolve with the needs of families.

“I’m so proud to be part of a charity that makes such a difference,” she says. “We just want to keep listening, keep adapting, and keep finding ways to meet need as it changes. If we can do that, we’ll be doing our job.”

Sussex Professional Advisers – We need you!

In this personal reflection, Martin Roberts, Trustee of Sussex Community Foundation, shares how his understanding of Sussex has grown over the past eight years, and why professional advisers have such an important role to play in connecting their clients with opportunities to support local communities.

10 years ago today, I was a partner with a large city law firm, commuting to London every day from Haywards Heath station (no working from home then!).

Although I had lived in the county for over 20 years, I knew very little about Sussex or the needs of its residents. I had no idea that Sussex includes 48 neighbourhoods which are in the 10% most deprived areas in England and which are home for 80,000 people.

For the last eight years I have been lucky enough to work alongside some fantastic people as a trustee of Sussex Community Foundation. I have been amazed by the work which the Foundation has done and continues to do to support the small Sussex charities and community groups which so vitally need our help.

The vital role of professional advisers

I have also seen just how much our Professional Adviser network has done and continues to do to connect us with possible future fundholders and donors.

Around 30% of our fundholders have been introduced to us by lawyers, accountants, wealth managers and financial planners.

As Professional Advisers, you have the unique privilege to talk to your clients about possible charitable giving and to offer your expert advice on the best route for them to achieve their personal objectives as part of their tax and estate planning strategy.

For those clients who have a Sussex connection and are in the fortunate position to give something back to the community in which they grew up or have lived for many years, Sussex Community Foundation could well be the answer.

Of course, many of you already know this and are good enough to mention the Foundation and point some of your clients in our direction.

Connecting local generosity with local need

For those who don’t know much about us, the Foundation is the largest grant making charity dedicated to Sussex.

We have £26 million under management (in our endowment fund) and over 100 family and corporate funds. We can connect local generosity with genuine need. We give an average of £2.5 million each year to over 300 Sussex based organisations, most of which are small, low profile and which your clients would quite probably have never heard of.

These organisations deal with a huge range of issues, from mental and physical health to social isolation and homelessness, from housing and the environment to youth clubs, older people’s lunch clubs, clothing recycling and food banks, from art and wellbeing clubs, sports and dance groups for those with disabilities to advice centres for those in need of help with energy bills or debt and much, much more.

We can suggest countless charities and community groups which do amazing work in the community, often with very limited resources. We can almost certainly identify groups operating in areas of need that match the specific interests or location of your clients.

Experience, knowledge and a practical way to give

We have 20 years’ experience of working in Sussex and have made grants totalling £40 million during that time. Our staff have a deep knowledge of the needs of Sussex people and the organisations which work tirelessly to meet them.

Setting up a Donor Advised Fund with the Foundation keeps your clients and their families at the heart of the decision making process, whilst also representing a low maintenance, low cost and tax efficient means of giving and putting something back into the community.

You can do more than you might think!

We are massively grateful the many of you who already include the Foundation in your thinking for clients who express an interest in supporting local causes. We really do need you!

As I come to the end of my time with the Foundation, may I urge all of you to continue to mention us to any of your clients who are looking to support Sussex based charities or community groups. We might not be the right vehicle for all of them, but we can offer objective guidance and would love to help you to help your clients where we can.

Whatever the outcome, we always welcome the opportunity to explain what we can offer.

Finally, to the many of you I have been fortunate to meet over the last few years, my very best wishes to you and your firms for the future.

To all of you, please carry on thinking of Sussex Community Foundation. It is a brilliant charity run by an amazing team of people.

20 Years, 20 Voices: Tracey Payne

20 Years, 20 Voices celebrates the people, charities, donors and partners who have helped shape Sussex Community Foundation over the past two decades.

Tracey Payne is Managing Director of Herbert Scott, an independent financial planning firm based in Lewes and one of Sussex Community Foundation's long-standing professional adviser partners. She shares why conversations about charitable giving are becoming an increasingly important part of financial planning, and how working with the Foundation helps clients give locally with confidence.

Looking beyond wealth

For Tracey, financial planning is about much more than investments and pensions. It’s about helping people use their wealth to live the life they want and leave the legacy they choose.

"We genuinely want our clients to enjoy their money," she says. "We ask them why they've saved it, or why they've inherited it. What would make them happy? Some people want to do fantastic holidays, some want to pass it down to family, and for others, charitable giving becomes a really rewarding conversation."

Rather than treating philanthropy as a separate discussion, Herbert Scott sees it as part of holistic financial planning.

"We wouldn't dream of talking to clients without discussing pensions, investments or tax planning," Tracey explains. "So why wouldn't we also mention charitable giving?"

Helping clients give with confidence

Those conversations don't happen immediately. Instead, they develop once advisers understand a client's goals, values and long-term plans.

"It's usually when we've completed their onboarding process and come up with a strategy," says Tracey. "By then, we've learned what their goals and objectives are and whether charitable giving is something they want to explore."

For many clients, particularly those considering inheritance planning, giving offers the opportunity to decide where their wealth can make a difference.

"People often tell us they don't want to save every penny of tax, because the country needs it," she says. "But once they realise they can choose where some of that money goes instead, it opens up a really positive conversation about the causes they care about."

Why local giving matters

While clients support a wide range of causes, Tracey believes many are keen to make a difference close to home.

"I think people do want to see the benefit of giving in their own communities," she says.

For Herbert Scott, partnering with Sussex Community Foundation makes those conversations easier.

"It takes away at lot of the legwork," she explains. " The Foundation knows the local charity landscape, carries out all the due diligence and introduces clients to organisations they would probably never have discovered on their own. They’re also part of the UKCF network of 47 Community Foundation, which gives me even more confidence.”

That means advisers can confidently connect clients with trusted opportunities to support local communities.

Responding to changing financial planning

Tracey has also seen charitable giving become increasingly relevant as changes to inheritance tax rules bring more families into estate planning conversations.

“Some of our clients like feeling in control of where their money is going and this leads easily into conversations about charitable giving. For some clients, it's about leaving a legacy. For others, it's about making a difference during their lifetime and seeing the impact while they're still here."

A trusted partner for advisers

For Tracey, the Foundation has become a natural extension of the service Herbert Scott offers its clients.

"It's an additional service that helps us achieve what clients want," she says. "This is what Sussex Community Foundation does every day. Why should our clients know about every local charity when they don't need to? That's your expertise."

She also believes the partnership reflects positively on advisers.

"It shows we're putting our clients first, not simply focusing on the wealth we're managing," she says. "If I was talking to another adviser, I'd ask why they wouldn't work with Sussex Community Foundation. I can only see a positive response to it."

Find out more

Are you a professional advisor with a client who wants to give back to their community? Find the most efficient and effective route to achieving your client’s philanthropic goals with help from Sussex Community Foundation.

Why supporting parents is key to improving children’s mental health

My personal journey has been one of resilience and determination. It’s this journey that led me to establish Holding Space, an award-winning East Sussex-based charity that offers parent/carer peer support to families whose children and young people are experiencing mental and/or emotional health difficulties.

The catalyst for creating the charity was the distinct lack of support I faced as a mum dealing with my daughter’s mental health struggles. As a parent, I felt like a failure; I was meant to protect my daughter. Yet, I had no one who could help. I couldn’t share my concerns with friends or colleagues; I felt so alone. Parenting does not come with a bible and we often feel judged. We think everyone else has got it right and are perfect parents!

In 2019, I set up a Facebook page, hoping there was an understanding shoulder to cry on. The response was incredible. Parents started sharing their stories, and it was clear there was a critical gap in support. Holding Space was born out of this need. Almost seven years later, I lead a charity supporting over 1,400 families across Sussex. But the need is clear and continues to grow.

"I wish Holding Space existed when I needed it."

Hansa Raja, Founder of Holding Space 

The vision of Holding Space is a world where no parent feels they have to navigate their child’s mental health journey alone. Our goal is to ensure that every parent and carer across Sussex feels heard, supported, and confident in navigating their children's emotional and mental health challenges.

Our mission is to support and empower parents and ensure that they have the tools and knowledge to support their children. Early intervention is crucial to the mental health of future generations.

The need in Sussex

Across Sussex, over 7,000 children and young people wait for mental health assessments, with the average wait time in East Sussex for an intervention being two to three years. The consequences of this are evident: East Sussex hospital admissions for self-harm during 2023 were significantly worse than the England average and in the 25% worst percentile.  

These challenges are also highlighted in Sussex Community Foundation’s recent Improving Health report, which found that young people in disadvantaged areas of the county are more likely to experience overlapping challenges, including high levels of caring responsibility, disability and mental health need.

The issues we hear from parents are varied, from anxiety and self-harm to waiting for assessments for autism diagnosis or school struggles. The emotional and practical impact is profound; parents feel inadequate and unsupported by statutory services. Many are forced to give up work to care for their child, which impacts family finances.

Supporting the whole family

When parents feel empowered, seen, listened to and connected, they are better able to support their children and look after their own wellbeing. Early intervention and support are crucial and we must do more to support families.

Funding, however, remains a constant challenge. Many charities are facing similar pressures, having to reduce their services or close. The voluntary sector is bridging gaps created by funding cuts and pressure on statutory services. To provide the best support and care for our communities, we need to embrace partnerships and co-production, ensuring that professionals, funders and those with lived experience work collaboratively.

My passion for supporting parents and carers extends to my consultancy, which offers workshops to businesses on “Why Supporting Parents and Carers in the Workplace Matters”. As a single mum, I know firsthand the struggles of balancing work and caregiving. When my daughter was in crisis, I had no choice but to leave my job to support her. This experience highlighted the urgent need for greater employer understanding during personal and family crises.  

Charities like Holding Space exist so that no parent has to face these challenges alone, but meaningful change requires working together. By bridging the gap between lived experience and community support, we have an opportunity to build a Sussex where every parent feels empowered and every child is given the chance to thrive.


Find out more about working with Hansa, the workshops or the charity.

Reflections on twenty years of Sussex Community Foundation

As I prepare to hand over to the next Chief Executive, I reflect on a journey that has been humbling and inspiring. What began as a bold vision in 2004 has grown into a powerful force for good.

Where it all began

When he founded the charity, the 10th Duke of Richmond said “It is, in my view, a scandal that there are areas in Sussex which are in the bottom 20% of national measures of social deprivation. At the same time, when local people or companies think of giving to charity they tend to think of large national bodies, because little is known about the small community groups on their doorsteps,”

“Sussex Community Foundation has been set up to bridge this gap and to make it easy for local people and companies to give to local communities. The Foundation can make a significant difference to local quality of life. This is about local communities working together for the welfare of all for many years to come.”

That founding vision has guided everything we’ve done since. From day one, we aimed to inspire local giving to meet local needs, to give grants to address issues of today, while building an endowment to support communities of the future. At the heart of everything was a commitment to building lasting, open and trusting relationships with our donors and with communities.

Growing philanthropy for Sussex

The early years were shaped by remarkable generosity. Our founder donors believed in the idea before there was an office or any staff. Their support enabled me to begin in January 2006 as the Foundation’s first Chief Executive - an honour I have never taken for granted.

Over two decades, with the help of donors, partners, trustees, staff and hundreds of community organisations, we have built a home for philanthropy in Sussex.

We grew our endowment from the very first £1,000 gifts from the Lords Lieutenant of East & West Sussex to £28m today. The Government’s Grassroots Grants and Community First Endowment match challenges proved that endowment giving is attractive to the right donors.

We earned a reputation as a trusted, responsive and effective grant maker - and we demonstrated that philanthropy, when done thoughtfully, has the power to change lives at scale.

There have been major milestones along the way, substantial legacy gifts, transfers from dormant charities, and the creation of long-lasting funds like Rampion, Lawson Trust and Brighton & Hove Legacy Fund. These were the result of our relentless focus on patient relationship building and being ready to help at the right time for each donor. 

Responding when Sussex needed us most

Nothing demonstrated the power of that approach more than the Sussex Crisis Fund. When lockdown hit in 2020, our team moved with speed. Within days, we were giving out grants. Within weeks, we became a central channel for Covid‑19 emergency support in Sussex. What followed - an extraordinary doubling of our grants output - showcased the value of deep trust, strong local knowledge and being able to mobilise both immediate and long‑term funding.

That year reminded us that community foundations exist not just to respond to crises, but to help communities build the resilience to weather them.

Adapting, learning and looking ahead

Like many charities, we’ve faced challenges in recent years: a shifting economic landscape, reduced public funding, and more cautious corporate and individual giving.

Last year, we reorganised our team, aiming to continue growing sustainably, to deepen donor relationships and to champion the vital role of local communities in addressing inequality.

The launch of our Women & Girls Fund this month is a perfect symbol of that future: strategic, collaborative, rooted in local need, and focused on long‑term impact.

What matters most: community – and people!

Over twenty years, one belief has only grown stronger for me: small local charities and community groups are the bedrock of social change.

They have always been the heart of our mission. They empower people. They bring neighbours together. They make Sussex fairer, stronger and more equal. And they rely on the generosity and commitment of donors, businesses and charitable trusts who recognise that local giving transforms local lives.

We measure our outputs in big numbers - £28 million endowment, £38 million given in grants, 3,500 charities supported – but people are the real story. Every grant given goes to people who organise together to improve people’s lives, every pound given comes from an individual who cares about Sussex, and standing between is our amazing, committed and skilled team of staff and trustees.

A personal note of thanks

It has been the privilege of my professional life to help build Sussex Community Foundation. I’ve had the honour of working with extraordinary people who understand that philanthropy is about far more than money - it is about values, relationships and vision.

I hand over to the next Chief Executive confident that the spirit that created Sussex Community Foundation twenty years ago is alive and well: a belief that Sussex thrives when we all play a part.

To our donors: continue to give boldly, flexibly and with curiosity.

To our charity partners: continue to challenge us, guide us and trust us - we exist for you.

To the next Chief Executive and to everyone supporting the Foundation: nurture relationships, stay rooted in community, and keep the bridge strong between generosity and need.

The next twenty years hold extraordinary potential. I cannot wait to see what you will achieve together.

When women and girls thrive, our whole community thrives

Yesterday, Sussex Community Foundation launched the Sussex Women & Girls Fund to coincide with International Women’s Day 2026. With “Give to Gain” as the theme for this year’s celebration, it felt like the stars were aligned.

Why is such a fund needed, you might be asking yourselves, and the answers are there for all to see.

Figures like these, coupled with additional research from organisations including Rosa, helped inform our thinking. We also stress-tested the idea with local female philanthropists and charities working to support women and girls across Sussex; the feedback was universally positive. Through grants to community groups across the county, the Sussex Women & Girls Fund will support practical, life changing work – from specialist services and safe spaces to projects that build skills, confidence and connection.

Across the globe, there are fewer female philanthropists than males, but we know that women now hold 60% of the wealth in the UK and this figure is set to grow. As far as Sussex is concerned, we want to harness that wealth and turn it into a force for good.

There may be fewer women giving, but those who do, give generously and very often to causes that support other women. Through this fund, we want to ignite the women of Sussex and encourage them to join together to make a real difference.

Women supporting women

To launch the fund, we invited a group of key female supporters to take part in an informal discussion, with the aim of helping us spread the word and raise awareness of what we are trying to achieve. This group of influential women was made up of charity CEOs, private donors, professional advisors, and local business owners, all with one thing in common: a desire to make Sussex a county where women and girls feel safe, confident and able to access opportunities.

Vicky Booth, our Head of Philanthropy & Development, facilitated a lively panel discussion alongside Lucy Butt from Bramber Bakehouse, Avril Robinson from My Sisters House and Becca Dean and Evie Harman from The Girls Network. Their discussion underlined the need for additional services across Sussex and Evie, as an ambassador with The Girls Network, shared her experience of the truly life-changing difference working with the charity had for her and other girls given the opportunity to be mentored by them.

"Everything I learned from The Girls Network and my mentor has stayed with me. It really helped me in all of my jobs, including now, where I work for a non-profit organisation working to close the gender gap in technology."

Evie Harman, Ambassador, The Girls Network

A collective way to make a difference

If the idea of the Sussex Women & Girls Fund has captured your imagination, there are several ways you can get involved, either financially or by introducing us to others who might be keen to learn more. This is a pooled fund, meaning anyone can give at their own level, either through one-off or regular donations. By combining our support, we can reach more people and create lasting impact across Sussex. 

Join the growing movement to improve the lives of local women and girls. Support the Fund now.

Navigating inheritance tax shifts: What the changes mean for charitable giving

The UK’s inheritance tax (IHT) landscape is set for significant change, and as professional advisors, we’re closely monitoring developments and guiding clients through what these reforms may mean in practice.

From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and death benefits will be brought within the value of a person’s estate for IHT purposes. Currently exempt, this will pull more estates into the IHT net – creating both challenges and opportunities for donors and charities alike.

Why more estates will be affected

The IHT nil rate band – the threshold above which estates are taxed – has been frozen at £325,000 since 2009 and will remain so until at least April 2031. With property prices and other asset values rising over the past two decades, more families are already liable to pay IHT. According to HMRC, annual receipts have grown from £3.3 billion in 2005/06 to a record £8.2 billion in 2024/25.

Adding undrawn pension savings to estates from 2027 will push even more estates over the threshold. Early estimates suggest that 10,500 additional estates will pay IHT for the first time, while a further 38,500 estates will see their tax liability increase. In our practice, we’re already seeing a rise in enquiries about IHT mitigation and succession planning as clients seek clarity and reassurance.

Understanding inheritance tax reliefs

Certain reliefs – such as Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) – can reduce the taxable value of qualifying assets by 50% or even 100%, but qualifying is not automatic. From April 2026, 100% relief will be capped at £2.5 million of combined agricultural and business assets, with any excess receiving 50% relief.

The only unlimited relief available to most individuals is charitable gifting. Donations to UK-registered charities, universities or churches are entirely exempt from IHT. Additionally, leaving 10% or more of your net estate to charity reduces the standard IHT rate from 40% to 36% – providing a clear financial and philanthropic benefit.

Advising on legacy and charitable planning

Charitable giving – whether during a lifetime, through a will or via charitable trusts – can form an effective part of a broader estate planning strategy. In some cases, a carefully calculated charitable legacy can reduce the overall IHT burden while preserving value for beneficiaries and supporting causes that reflect a client’s values.

We are increasingly discussing the interaction between pension reforms and existing wills; the use of lifetime gifting strategies; trust structures for long-term charitable and family benefit; and the 10% charitable legacy threshold and its impact on the effective IHT rate.

We always recommend individuals take appropriate legal and financial advice before making decisions, ensuring that tax considerations align with wider financial planning and family objectives.

Where charitable ambitions are central, we may also signpost clients to Sussex Community Foundation for local philanthropic support.

What this means for charities

For charities and professional advisors working with donors, these changes are likely to prompt more conversations around legacy giving and structured philanthropy.

Clear, responsible communication is key. While charitable gifts can offer tax advantages, they should always be presented within the broader context of personal financial planning and independent advice.

Charities that understand the evolving IHT framework are well-placed to support donors in making informed decisions.

How Mayo Wynne Baxter can help

At Mayo Wynne Baxter, we work closely with individuals and charities to navigate the complexities of inheritance tax planning and legacy giving. We’re actively monitoring legislative developments and advising clients on how proposed changes may affect their estates. Our approach is tailored, strategic and grounded in both legal and financial realities.

By reviewing plans early and taking coordinated advice, individuals can ensure their legacy reflects their wishes, supports the causes they care about and protects their family’s long-term interests.

How Sussex Community Foundation can help

For advisors supporting clients with charitable ambitions, Sussex Community Foundation is the go-to partner for local giving.

We partner with professional advisors to help clients make tax-efficient charitable gifts that are straightforward to manage and create lasting local impact. Through our philanthropy advice, we match our supporters’ aims with the many small, effective local charities – whether through Donor Advised Funds, lifetime gifts or legacies – ensuring their support is directed where it can make the biggest difference.

If you’d like to explore how local giving could support your client conversations, we’d be glad to talk with your team. Get in touch.

What modern philanthropy tells us – and why it matters here in Sussex

The latest research from The Beacon Collaborative and Barclays Private Bank makes for really interesting reading – shining some light (and some hard data!) on how people with significant resources are choosing to give, what motivates them, and what kind of support they need to maximise the impact of their giving.

Giving is growing - but donors want clarity and confidence

The research backs up what those of us in the philanthropy sector already know – there is a huge amount of generosity in our country, with 93% of the UK’s wealthiest individuals already giving to charity and contributing an estimated £11.4 billion in 2024. Yet the research also shows that many of these donors lack access to trusted, knowledgeable advice on how to give effectively and efficiently. For us at Sussex Community Foundation, this reinforces something we hear often: people want to help, but they don’t always know where their support will make the biggest difference.

Supporting philanthropy in Sussex

Here in Sussex, we’re proud to play a role as a local philanthropic partner. We help donors give with confidence that their resources are reaching grassroots organisations that are doing vital work – whether they are local food banks, mentoring for disadvantaged young people, singing groups which combat loneliness for older people, or providing vital support for disabled adults. We are in constant dialogue with people running local community groups, gathering insights to share with donors, so their giving is purposeful, not just well-intentioned. And we use the latest data, like our Sussex Uncovered reports, to highlight where the need is greatest.  

The role of professional advisors

Recent research from CAF, The Philanthropy Advantage, also shows that up to two-thirds of high-net-worth (HNW) giving happens without financial advice, and only around a third of HNW donors have talked about the tax efficiency of their giving in the past two years. This suggests that a significant portion of charitable giving could be even more effective with the right guidance.

Advisors play a crucial role. 81% of wealthy donors believe professional advisors should proactively raise philanthropy as part of wider financial planning. It’s encouraging to see this recognised, because values-led giving isn’t separate from the decisions people make about their wealth – it’s often central to them.

That’s why the Foundation invests so much time in working with financial planners, solicitors and accountants across Sussex. We help advisors introduce their clients to meaningful, place-based giving opportunities, whether that’s through a legacy, a Donor Advised Fund, or long-term endowment giving. Over the last few years, we’ve seen this network grow significantly. Advisors tell us they value having a trusted, local partner they can turn to, and donors tell us they value the opportunity to invest in the place they call home.

A hopeful future for giving

The most hopeful message in the research is this: people want their giving to be more thoughtful, more strategic and more connected to their values. And they are looking for guidance. That presents a huge opportunity, not just for donors and advisors, but for communities across Sussex.

Connecting people and place

At the Foundation, we’ll continue to bring inspirational people together to create the change Sussex needs. If you’re an advisor who’d like to understand more about how we can support your conversations with clients, we’d love to speak with you. The more we connect people who want to help with the organisations delivering real change, the stronger our county becomes.

Gifting with Purpose: strategic wealth transfers with local impact

As economic pressures continue to shape financial decisions across generations, many clients are revisiting how and when they pass on wealth. Whether driven by a desire to support loved ones, reduce inheritance tax (IHT) exposure, or leave a philanthropic legacy, gifting remains one of the most powerful tools in estate planning.

Increasingly, these conversations go beyond tax efficiency. They’re about values, timing, and impact. For clients who want their generosity to make a tangible difference close to home, Sussex Community Foundation provides a trusted way to support small, local charities through lifetime and legacy giving.

Charitable Gifting in Lifetime and Through Wills

Gifting can take place during a person’s lifetime or through their Will. Both approaches offer opportunities to reduce IHT while supporting family members or charitable causes.

Legacy gifts, whether made during lifetime or via a Will, are particularly effective. Gifts to registered charities are exempt from IHT, and if 10% or more of an estate is left to charity, the IHT rate on the remainder of the estate is reduced from 40% to 36%.

Smaller, local charities often rely heavily on legacy income to fund vital grassroots work in areas such as education, wellbeing, and poverty relief. Through the Foundation, donors can ensure these gifts create a lasting legacy that benefits communities for generations.

Why Now?

The current IHT nil-rate band remains frozen at £325,000, and with the residence nil-rate band also capped at £175,000, more estates are falling into taxable territory. For those with surplus wealth, gifting offers a proactive way to reduce future liabilities while supporting the next generation – or causes close to their heart.

Gifting into Trusts

One increasingly popular route is gifting into a trust. Trusts created for charitable purposes are not subject to an IHT charge. For non-charitable trusts, a gift of up to £325,000 into a discretionary trust is treated as a Chargeable Lifetime Transfer (CLT) and falls within the nil-rate band, meaning no immediate IHT is payable. This threshold refreshes every seven years, allowing for strategic planning over time.

Trusts offer control, protection, and flexibility, which can be particularly useful when beneficiaries are young or vulnerable. However, they do come with complexity: periodic charges, exit charges, compliance reporting requirements and other tax implications. Professional advice is essential to ensure the trust structure aligns with both tax and family objectives.

Lifetime Gifting

In addition to charitable giving, several lifetime exemptions are often overlooked:

These exemptions can be combined with trust planning to create a robust and tax-efficient gifting strategy. Keeping clear records of all gifts (including recipient, value, and date) is essential.

How Sussex Community Foundation Can Help

For clients who want their giving to stay local and make a real difference, Sussex Community Foundation offers a simple, effective way to support Sussex charities. Whether through a Donor Advised Fund, lifetime gifts, or legacy giving, the Foundation ensures donations reach the grassroots organisations that need them most.

As advisors, we can help you explore these options alongside your tax and estate planning goals. Whether it’s a first-time gift into a trust, a conversation about legacy giving, or a review of existing plans, we can guide you through the process.

To learn more about how Sussex Community Foundation can help you give with purpose, visit here.

Jenn Trussler (TEP), Solicitor

Lily Parisi, Solicitor

Kreston Reeves Private Client LLP
Springfield House, Springfield Road, Horsham,

West Sussex, RH12 2RG

www.krestonreeves.com

Our New Approach to grant-making

Hannah Clay, Head of Grants & Impact, shares more information about the upcoming changes to the Foundation’s grant making approach.

After months of collaborative work with colleagues, partners and stakeholders to redesign our grant-making from the ground up, we're delighted to be reopening our programmes later this month with a refreshed approach.

Pausing applications over the summer wasn’t an easy decision. We know how vital funding is for community groups and charities across Sussex, especially during such challenging times. But after nearly two decades of local grant making, we recognised it was time to step back and ask: how can we make our processes better for the people who use them?

In recent years, demand for funding across the charity sector has grown rapidly. Success rates have fallen, our application process wasn't working for many, and charities told us that it wasn't always clear what was needed for a successful application. Our systems and processes struggled to keep up with the demand.

We wanted to do better – for the charities at the heart of Sussex communities, and for the donors and fundholders who make our work possible. So, we’ve taken this time to refresh our grant making, making it simpler, more strategic, and more in line with our values as an open and trusting funder.

A simpler, two-step process

One of the biggest changes is the introduction of an Expression of Interest (EOI) stage. Instead of starting with a long application form, which takes up valuable time and energy from community groups, we will now ask applicants to submit a short summary of their work and funding request.

What this means for charities

Our goal is to reduce time and stress for charities, so they can focus on what matters most: their communities. 

Above all, we’re committed to listening and learning – making sure charities feel heard, and that their insights shape our ongoing improvements.

What this means for donors

For our Fundholders and other donors, the changes mean more choice, flexibility, and a closer connection with local work.

What this means for Sussex Community Foundation

For the Foundation, these changes will allow grant making to be more strategic, more streamlined, and more focused on building meaningful relationships.

Our team is evolving in line with these changes. Our three new Grants & Relationship Managers will work directly with both charities and donors, supported by two part-time Grants Administrators and myself as Head of Grants & Impact. Together, we’ll focus on building strong relationships and using our local insight to guide funding where it can make the greatest difference.

Looking ahead

This is just the start. Change always takes time to implement, and we know there will be more learning to do. We’ll keep reviewing and improving – and we’ll keep listening.

But we believe this new approach marks an important step forward for Sussex Community Foundation. It will allow us to respond more flexibly, to connect donors closely with inspiring local work, and to create a grant making process that is fairer, clearer, and better aligned with today’s challenges.

We’re confident that these changes will help us support Sussex communities in the best way possible - now and into the future.

Putting communities at the heart of Sussex’s future

Wilton Park is an extraordinary Sussex institution with a remarkable history. Founded after the Second World War by Heinz Koeppler, a German-Jewish migrant, it began by educating German prisoners of war to become leaders in a new open, democratic society. 

Today, as an Executive Agency of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Wilton Park convenes UK and global governments, businesses, NGO's and academic leaders, to tackle some of the world's most pressing issues and to build diplomatic alliances for peaceful collaboration and policy development. Over the years, it has hosted pivotal moments in history - from early discussions on ending apartheid to Balkan peace talks and negotiations on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. 

All this happens discretely in the heart of the Sussex countryside; Wiston House, Steyning. 

Sussex Growth Forum

In July, Wilton Park hosted the Sussex Growth Forum, bringing together leaders from politics, business, education and the voluntary sector to discuss how to promote economic growth in our county.

We heard from the leaders of East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove about proposals for a Sussex Mayor and the potential reorganisation of local government. There was broad agreement that a combined Sussex authority could foster collaboration across political and geographical divides, helping to solve long-standing county-wide challenges. The details of local government reform, however, were left for another day - I suspect there would be less agreement on that topic!

Business leaders also spoke on tourism and the identity of Sussex. Mardi Roberts, of Ridgeview Vineyard and Chair of the Local Visitor Economic Partnership, shared ambitious plans to boost tourism income by £2.5 billion over the next decade.

The significance of the voluntary sector in Sussex

I was invited to speak on the role of the voluntary and community sector (VCSE) in our local economy. Across Sussex, we estimate there are 10,000 to 12,000 VCSE organisations, contributing at least £400 million annually and employing 24,000 people - that’s 3% of all jobs, and 6% in Brighton & Hove. Around half of the sector’s income comes from outside Sussex, bringing fresh resources into the county.

Perhaps most striking is that half our population volunteers each year, giving time worth at least £250 million - the equivalent of another 10,000 jobs. Beyond these figures, charities deliver life-changing support: from birth to end-of-life care, from debt advice to arts and culture. They help people stay economically active and share prosperity more fairly. They also help people develop skills through volunteering, which for many is more accessible than mainstream education. Most importantly, they create strong, diverse, resilient communities that unite people around what they share, rather than what divides them.

What type of growth do we want?

As we talk about economic growth, we must ask: growth for what purpose, and at what cost? Growth that harms our planet or increases inequality is no victory. The New Economics Foundation, in its recent 40th anniversary report, warns of rising inequality and diminishing public faith in political institutions. Their call is to empower citizens, give people more ownership of the economy, and help communities thrive.

Economic growth is meaningless if people feel hopeless about their future. Real hope lies in the thousands of people and charities already working to make a difference. This community action is the bedrock of a healthy democracy – if we lose it, it may never return.

The future of Sussex

That is why Sussex Community Foundation exists: to ensure communities have a voice and the resources they need. As local government reform and possible devolution unfold, we must guard against creating large, remote authorities disconnected from local realities.

The voluntary sector is essential to keeping communities together. Sussex Community Foundation can help maintain consistent support for vital organisations through the transition, ensuring they remain at the heart of future plans.

Together, we have an opportunity to create a new culture and a new history for Sussex - one that builds a resilient society ready for the challenges ahead. If we truly want growth, it must be in communities as well as in wealth. Only then will we enrich lives, strengthen connections, and create a Sussex where prosperity is shared by all.

How financial planning and charitable gifting can go hand in hand

For more than 25 years, Herbert Scott has helped people achieve their life’s goals through meaningful financial planning and that often includes charitable gifting.

Our focus is often on clients coming up to, or in the early phases of, retirement. Understandably, as clients age, the early question of “have I got enough to live the life I want in retirement?” evolves into “what can I do to mitigate my Inheritance Tax bill?”.

Charitable gifting

Not all clients have wider family to pass their funds on to, and even those that do still often wish to undertake an element of charitable gifting. This can either be during their lifetime, when the value of the gifted funds could potentially be outside of their estate immediately, or in their Wills when the rate of IHT applied can be reduced from 40% to 36% where 10% or more of their taxable estate is left to charity.

Working with Sussex Community Foundation

It is at times like this that we often turn to the expertise of Sussex Community Foundation to better the philanthropic conversations we have with our clients. From our viewpoint, involving the Foundation in these discussions provides us with confidence about the charitable gifting our clients undertake, safe in the knowledge that the charities have undergone the scrutiny of the Foundation’s due diligence. It also broadens our clients’ awareness of charities which are of particular interest to them and gives them the opportunity to have as much (or as little) involvement with the charities as they feel comfortable with.

Case study

We recently introduced an elderly client to the Foundation, after using our cashflow planning software to establish she had more than sufficient wealth to meet any eventualities she was likely to encounter during her remaining lifetime, including the potential funding of care fees. She wanted to see what other options there were to reduce the Inheritance Tax bill on her estate and, while she was not averse to paying some Inheritance Tax, the idea of having some control over where her surplus money was spent appealed, rather than leaving this decision to the Government on her death.

We explored options such as increasing gifting to her family, investing in tax-lead Inheritance Tax planning schemes, and charitable gifting. At this point, we introduced our client to the Foundation so that they could help her gain a better understanding of the range of local charities and community groups that aligned with her philanthropic interests. Under their guidance she decided to set up a Donor Advised Fund.

On a personal note, I continue to be heartened by the number of clients who are interested in making charitable donations as part of their financial plan and having good conversations around this subject is a valuable part of the service we provide.

Tracey Payne BA(Hons), Chartered FCSI, DipPFS
Investment Director & Financial Planner

Herbert Scott Ltd
The Left Bank, 173 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1YE

enquiries@herbertscott.uk
www.herbertscott.co.uk

Herbert Scott is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

This article is distributed for information and/or educational purposes and should not be considered investment advice or an offer of any product for sale.

Spotlight on... Brighton & Hove

Many areas in Sussex rank among the 20% of neighbourhoods in England with the highest levels of deprivation. Our Tackling Poverty report found the highest levels of deprivation are around the Sussex coast, with the eight most underprivileged towns situated in coastal communities, including Brighton & Hove.

Brighton beach with two deck chairs and the west pier

First thoughts about Brighton & Hove tend to focus on the local artistic talents showcased at the creative Brighton Fringe and Festival; historic landmarks such as the iconic Royal Pavilion and the famous Brighton Pier; Georgian buildings along the seafront and of seagulls, Pride flags and fish and chips. An inclusive, free-thinking city in the heart of Sussex.

However, what many people don’t know is that Brighton & Hove has the second highest number of highly deprived areas of any Local Authority in Sussex (15 Lower Super Output Areas in the most deprived 10% nationally in 2019) and contains the third most deprived ward in the county, East Brighton.

Our Tackling Poverty Report highlights three main challenges communities in Brighton & Hove are experiencing:

Table showing initial assessments of homelessness circumstances - showing Brighton has higher levels than the rest of Sussex.

Homelessness

Brighton & Hove has the highest rate of households assessed as homeless in the county (1.44%) and is nearly double the national rate (0.66%). The city also has 0.89% of households threatened with homelessness, meaning it is likely that they will become homeless within 56 days. Both figures are significantly higher than England as a whole.

The report also found Brighton & Hove had the highest number in Sussex of rough sleepers on a typical night, at 41 people.

Pensioner poverty

Brighton & Hove has higher levels of pensioner poverty (15.3%) than the national average and contains the ward with the highest level of pensioner poverty - Queen’s Park. It is also the town with the largest number of households affected by fuel poverty in Sussex.

Poor outcomes for LGBTQ+ people

Brighton & Hove has the largest proportion of people identifying as ‘not straight or heterosexual’ out of all Local Authorities in England and Wales at 11.7%. This section of the population in Brighton & Hove is more likely to experience unemployment than in any other Local Authority in Sussex. 7.1% of people identifying as LGBTQ in the city are unemployed – higher than across any other town in Sussex and notably above the national average unemployment rate which is 2.9%.

Brighton & Hove has the highest number of people experiencing income deprivation and employment deprivation of any Local Authority in Sussex.

What’s happening on the ground?

At the Foundation, we’re proud to support and want to share some of the groups working in Brighton on the challenges highlighted by our Tackling Poverty report.   

Homelessness support - Clock Tower Sanctuary Brighton  

The Clock Tower Sanctuary is a day centre in Brighton & Hove providing vital practical and emotional support to 16-25-year-olds who are homeless and insecurely housed. They recently received a grant from the Foundation towards the cost of their Centre Manager.

“I started to come to The Clock Tower Sanctuary last year, but it’s helped turn my life around already. With the help of my caseworker, I’ve gone from emergency accommodation into a more permanent, supported accommodation, and I am now waiting to move into independent social housing. It’s so much more than just a place to come and have food or a shower. I now see potential in my life and feel that I’m on way towards a much better place.”

Esther, young person supported by  Clock Tower Sanctuary

LGBTQ+ support - The Ledward Centre

The Ledward Centre is an LGBTQ+ Centre that works to reduce social isolation and improve wellbeing by creating a safe, sober, social space, and organising opportunities for members from across the diverse LGBTQ+ communities. The centre has proved to be an important sober space, allowing a growing number of people to socialise in a safe supportive atmosphere. The community group received a grant last year towards the salary costs of a part-time centre manager and facilitator.

Group of people who were on the LGBTQ+ comedy course

The centre recently ran a beginner’s comedy course for LGBTQ+ women and those who are non-binary for six weeks where participants learnt methods and techniques to create a stand-up comedy set.

“These wonderful funny humans smashed their first gig in front of a live SOBER audience. Alongside performing stand-up, the participants have made a wonderful bond with each other, and the feedback has been amazing!”

Ali, comedy course creator and facilitator

Pensioner poverty - Food and Friendship

Food and Friendship brings people together through food. They exist to tackle loneliness in older, isolated people and adults with learning disabilities. They provide low-cost bi-weekly lunch clubs and evening cooking clubs facilitated by a large community volunteer team. The charity received a grant in March towards their core running costs.

People attending a Food and Friendship lunch around a table

“Too many older people live and eat alone in the city, having lost friends and loved ones. Our lunch clubs are like a large family for people who don't have one where they can enjoy a healthy home-cooked meal and come together to share friendship and laughter. They are a place to feel welcomed and valued, to learn something, to receive support and to help build the resilience to get through another week alone”.

Caroline, Founder

How you can help

Our Tackling Poverty report highlights the desperate need in parts of Sussex and tells the story of why more local giving is essential, to increase support for people in our county.

“The Cullum Family Trust fully recognises that the voluntary sector engages with the local community to help provide the essential, real support to fill the many gaps that are impacting the vulnerable and in particular the older members of our communities. These gaps are ever widening and are exacerbated by the lack of funds to deliver those vital support services that are so essential in what is often very challenging circumstances.”

Claire Cullum-Jay, Fundholder at the Foundation

Get in touch with the Philanthropy team to discuss how you can help make a difference in Brighton & Hove, or you can donate directly to our Tackling Poverty Fund here.

Are Sussex families paying too much in Inheritance Tax?

Martin Roberts looks into the latest data on Inheritance Tax (IHT)

Although only about 4% of UK deaths result in a liability to IHT, there were still around 27,000 estates paying IHT in 2020/21. These naturally tend to be concentrated in the wealthier parts of the country and especially those where average property values are higher.

According to the latest published statistics, the Taxman took £5.76bn in IHT in the UK in 2020/21, and estates in the South East were the second biggest contributor to that figure after those in the London area. In fact, the South East contributed a fifth of the UK total - 4,990 estates in the South East paid a just over £1bn in IHT.

In the Sussex area, 176 of those estates paying IHT were in Brighton & Hove; 127 were in the Chichester area, 105 in Arundel and the South Downs, 89 in Lewes and 67 in Mid Sussex. In these five Sussex areas alone, 564 families paid a total of £131m in IHT, an average of over £230,000 per estate.

IHT is currently charged at 40% on assets (in excess of the threshold levels) which are transferred on death, including gifts made within seven years of death and gifts made to and assets contained in certain types of trusts.

There are IHT exemptions for transfers of assets between spouses and civil partners and for transfers to qualifying charities. There are also reliefs for Agricultural and Business Properties and also for Residences transferred to direct descendants.

As a result, most estates (over 95%) pay nothing as they fall below the threshold levels at which IHT kicks in, after applying allowances and reliefs. In fact, 81% of IHT in 2020/21 came from net paying estates valued at £1m or more, and these estates actually amounted to only 4.3% of all estates requiring a grant of representation.

Of course, as the age of the taxpayer increases, less of their wealth tends to be tied up in property, which can attract exemptions or reliefs, and more is held in cash and securities. So, the vast majority of IHT (82%) is paid on estates where the deceased is over 75.

It’s worth remembering that charitable donations to qualifying charities are tax free during your lifetime, and that if charitable donations are left in the will, they are taken off the value of the estate before IHT is applied.

In addition, if 10% or more of the taxable estate is left to charity, a reduced IHT rate will apply to the rest of your taxable estate not passing to charity. Currently, the normal IHT rate of 40% rate is reduced to 36%, saving 4% on the whole of the rest of the taxable estate.

As a result, any negative effect on non-charity beneficiaries is likely to be significantly reduced and, depending on the figures, the effect of the reduced IHT rate can sometimes mean that more is received by the eventual non-charity beneficiaries than would have been the case before the donation.

We always recommend those looking at their estate planning take qualified professional advice. In this case, if the estate is one of the 4.3% facing a potential IHT liability, taking early advise on all the reliefs and exemptions to IHT, including charitable donations to qualifying organisations like Sussex Community Foundation, might well be worthwhile.

At Sussex Community Foundation we make grants to local charities, groups and organisations to address specific needs in the community. Our donors’ and fundholders’ philanthropic effort make an enormous difference in the lives of many in Sussex. Read more about the stories and groups we support here.

Martin Roberts, Trustee