Karen Perkins
As CEO my role is to lead the strategic direction of the Foundation and uphold its values. Through strong, clear leadership, my focus is on building capacity, ensuring impact and sustainability of the Foundation and continuing to build our reputation as a champion for philanthropy in Bedfordshire.
Working closely with my senior team; the Head of Operations and Head of Partnerships, together we shall ensure that services are maintained and delivered to an exemplary standard and are always underpinned by our principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Francesca Johnstone
As Head of Impact & Partnerships my role is to lead, manage and coordinate all aspects of the Foundations grants and programmes across the priority areas. I also lead on several initiatives including the Small Charities Forum offering support and advice to charities on accessing our services.
With an extensive background in the grants sector I am passionate about supporting local community groups in finding ways to address local need.
Daniel Douglas
As Head of Business Development my role is to support the development of the foundation and its work with local partners and businesses, to build sustainable and beneficial relationships that can in turn help us deliver our core work to our communities.
With 14 years of experience in the sports, education, and community sectors. I am passionately dedicated to inspiring lasting change and creating opportunities
Rae Rahman
As a Grants Manager in the Grants Team I work across funds and initiatives, and ensure relationships with communities around the County are grown and nurtured over time. I work with applicants and organisations interested in making an application to ensure that they feel supported and confident in the process of applying for funding and monitoring their grant.
Jaqui Childs
Jaqui has been advising the Foundation since June 2019. She is an FCA, having spent years as a partner in accountancy practices advising corporate entities. At the Foundation she oversees the finances, which includes fund management, reporting and accounting systems and reporting to the trustee board.
[email protected]
Amanda Denholm
The role of an administrator is quite varied! I will be working closely with all the BLCF team to ensure we can provide best support to all our partnerships.
My background is mainly within the financial services industry I’m hoping to utilise some of these skills to assist the foundation, as I live in Bedfordshire it’s exciting to work and build relationships locally. [email protected]
Emily Butterworth
As Senior Grants Manager, my main role is managing and coordinating the Foundations grants. Working with the Grants Managers and the Head of Impact and Programmes, my focus is on ensuring the grant funding is accessible, impactful, well managed and monitored. I work across funds and initiatives, seeking to build relationships with communities in our area, as well as to provide close support to organisations interested in making an application or who have already been awarded a grant.
Suzanne France
As a Grants Manager I work closely with local community groups and charities to help them navigate the grant application process. Additionally, in my role I work with groups to build strong relations, provide support and monitor approved projects to ensure they are on target and meet the needs of beneficiaries.
[email protected]
Deborah Hathway
I have experience of working within both the charity and voluntary sectors. Working for a charity pre-school, as well as previously undertaking the roles of charity trustee and school governor. I have always lived in Bedfordshire and enjoy being a member of the BLCF team.
