Over the last couple of months we have been busy assessing small grants applications and matching successful applications up with suitable funds. As expected, there has been high demand for these grants and we are thrilled to be distributing this funding to groups working hard across Devon to tackle inequalities and strengthen communities. We continue to review and refine the process and always welcome feedback.

There has been lots going on besides our grantmaking. We hosted our first virtual donor drop-in event, where we had some great discussions about why people give, what philanthropy means to them and how to engage younger family members in giving. We have also been out and about at events including a High Sheriff Fund Roundtable, which we hosted in partnership with Jake Moores, Devon’s current High Sheriff, to gather thoughts on what a refreshed High Sheriff Fund might look like.

Our Community Knowledge Fund project, Food for Thought, continues to provide us with opportunities to explore the value of community-generated knowledge and insight. The project’s new partnership with Encompass Southwest has allowed us to work with a different cohort of young people in Northern Devon and we have seen some wonderful outcomes already.

We were sad to say goodbye to Ceri Goddard, who has left her role as Chief Executive of Devon Community Foundation to lead new project developments at Equality Impact Investing and related progressive philanthropy initiatives. But we are very pleased to announce that our highly experienced Chair, Dinah Cox, is stepping in as interim Chief Executive.