Laura Cameron Long will shortly be moving on from her role as Head of Development and Philanthropy. In this blog post she reflects on her time with Devon Community Foundation, and why philanthropy matters now more than ever.
As I prepare to say goodbye to my role at Devon Community Foundation and move to pastures new, I’ve been reflecting on what a privilege it’s been to work with an organisation, donors and colleagues that are so rooted in the life of this county, and so committed to its future.
Over the past two years, I’ve been fortunate to witness firsthand the quiet generosity and pride that so many people feel for Devon. Our donors don’t just give money; they give with a sense of place, and with a strong-held belief in making things better for their communities. Whether it’s a family wanting to support the county they’ve called home for generations, or someone who’s moved here and wants to give back to the community that welcomed them, the common thread is a deep commitment to making life better for others.
People want to help — really help. And it’s been inspiring to see how philanthropy can channel that passion into meaningful support for local people and projects.
But there’s still work to do. Philanthropy often sits quietly in the background, yet its potential is enormous. We need more conversations about giving. Not just large-scale, high-profile donations, but thoughtful, intentional giving that’s rooted in place and purpose. The kind that empowers communities, builds resilience, and brings about lasting change. Devon has so many individuals and businesses with the ability to make a difference. Raising awareness of the impact that giving can have – and the real, human stories behind it – feels more important than ever.
That’s why I’ve valued working with Devon Community Foundation so much. It really understands this county – its geography, its challenges, its inequalities, and its strengths. Our grantmaking is grounded in real insight and strong relationships. It’s not just about handing out money; it’s about making sure that funding is targeted where it will do the most good. We’ve supported grassroots groups doing incredible work with very little, often quietly and without fuss. Those groups are the heart of Devon’s voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector.
The VCSE sector here is nothing short of remarkable. Across the county, small organisations are meeting complex and growing needs – whether it’s food support, mental health, community transport, loneliness, youth work, or homelessness. But they’re under pressure. Rising costs and increased demand are stretching many to breaking point. That’s why grants that are unrestricted, that cover core costs, and that are given over multiple years are not just helpful – they’re essential. They allow organisations to plan, adapt, and sustain their work. In many cases, they’re the difference between survival and closure.
That’s why now feels like such an important time to be talking about philanthropy—whether that’s giving during your lifetime or leaving a legacy. So many people already give generously, but there’s still so much more we can do. When thoughtful, well-informed grantmaking is combined with the passion and generosity of those who want to make a difference, it has the power to change lives—not just today, but for future generations too.
As I look back over these past two years, what stays with me most is the people. From passionate charity leaders to thoughtful donors, local volunteers to community champions—I’ve met so many individuals who care deeply about this place and are working hard, often behind the scenes, to make it better. It’s been a privilege to stand alongside them, even briefly. Devon is lucky to have such a strong community spirit, and I’m lucky to have been part of it.
