Faces Behind the Foundation

Welcome to our staff and Trustee teams, and meet our President and President Emeritus.

Ruth E Willis

Ruth E Willis

Chief Executive

Ruth was appointed as Chief Executive in 2013 and is responsible for the day-to-day leadership, development and growth of the Foundation. She is an experienced leader and manager in both local government and the voluntary, community and enterprise sectors. Her working days are Monday to Friday.

Ruth E Willis LinkedIn page
Michelle Dickinson

Michelle Dickinson

Head of Philanthropy and Programmes

Michelle supports our Strategic Plan through philanthropy. This includes the development of long-term strategic relationships to secure and distribute income against agreed targets. She is also responsible for of our Fund Development Strategy and SYCF's Grant Strategy. Her working days are Monday to Friday.

Michelle Dickinson LinkedIn page
Karen Walke

Karen Walke

Joint-head of SYFAB

Karen provides one-to-one support for Sheffield groups, funded by Sheffield City Council. This involves helping organisations make sense of funding criteria and review draft applications, prioritising groups with no paid staff and who are led by the communities they support. Karen’s working days are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Karen Walke LinkedIn page
Peter Foyle

Peter Foyle

Joint-head of SYFAB

Peter is responsible for producing SYFAB Funding News and oversees the website. He looks after contracts relating to the delivery of SYFAB funding advice in Sheffield and Barnsley, and collecting information on the impact their support brings to local communities. His working days are Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

Peter Foyle LinkedIn page
Jess O'Neill

Jess O'Neill

Grants and Partnerships Manager

Jess is responsible for leading the team which delivers SYCF's Grants Programmes, focusing on improved ways of working and streamlining. Jess is the lead officer for managing our volunteer recruitment and training for panels - providing on-going support and an annual panel members event. Her working days are Tuesday to Friday.

Jess O'Neill LinkedIn page
Rachael Farrell

Rachael Farrell

Philanthropy Coordinator

Rachael coordinates the delivery of philanthropic activities, working collaboratively within different teams, community groups and donors to bring about exciting new opportunities. She is also head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) for the Foundation as well as overseeing South Yorkshire’s Giving Network. Her working days are Monday to Friday.

Rachael Farrell LinkedIn page
Adam Preston

Adam Preston

Programmes and Projects Coordinator

Adam’s role within the organisation is to provide insight and assistance relating to a variety of different areas, including Climate Action Funding and Research, Salesforce implementation and communication between technological businesses and South Yorkshire Community Foundation. His working days are Monday to Friday.

Adam Preston LinkedIn page
Alison Wade

Alison Wade

Finance Manager

Alison is responsible for the day-to-day management of all our financial activity, including financial reporting and compliance. She is one of the main points of contacts for our Investment Managers. She prepares our financial statements and leads the preparation of the annual audit. Her working days are Monday to Thursday.

Alison Wade LinkedIn page