I can’t quite believe it has been seven years since I applied to become the Chair of Devon Community Foundation (DCF). Looking at my initial 2019 application as I write this blog, I note that at the time I said I was applying as I thought working with others to improve our societies makes the world a better place for us all. I could see that DCF embodied that value and felt I could both learn from those involved with the organisation and use my experience of being a chair, trustee and staff member for various charities to support the work.
My first board meeting as Chair was in February 2020 – which meant I just got to meet people in person before we went into lockdown in March! It seems like another world looking back on it, but the staff and trustees pulled together and managed to make grants on a daily basis and it was amazing to see how both established and newly formed community groups supported those most vulnerable in the county. I was and continue to be proud of the way staff and trustees adapt to the changing needs and aspirations of Devon’s people by working in partnership with others. During that time we made what I think is my favourite grant. It was to a project that supported families on restricted incomes by offering them the opportunity to receive a Christmas pudding making kit that include enough ingredients for a pudding for themselves and another as a gift for family or friends. Each of them was asked if they would be willing to make a third pudding to give back so it could be gifted to someone else who would benefit from it. Every single family made the third pudding as they wanted to support others in the community. For me it shows the generosity and empathy people have in our communities when given the chance to make a difference to others.
Six years on I still know it’s true that Devon Community Foundation improves our society. For instance, after talking to the organisations we support, we have developed our grants schemes to reduce the burden on time stretched organisations applying for funding. We’ve worked with the Sedel-Collings Foundation on the Supporting the Supporters fund that helps organisations providing community benefit to protect and enhance the wellbeing of their staff, volunteers and trustees. All of this continues to be based on solid research on the needs of Devonians such as through our work on Food for Thought bringing young people, food producers and to discuss food access and production. None of the work would be possible without the generous philanthropists and other funders who provide the much-needed money to support this important work.
It will be sad to say goodbye to meeting regularly with the staff and trustees who have supported me so well. I hope I have brought an open mind, a listening ear and a thoughtful intervention or two to the role. I am grateful to be able to hand over to Jake Moores as I know he will do a great job and I will continue to be a friend of DCF in my roles with Devon and Cornwall Police and Devon’s Lieutenancy, so this is au revoir not adieu as I wish Devon Community Foundation continued success in strengthening our communities and tackling inequality.
