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, including overseeing the professional services to donors. This includes securing and distributing income against agreed targets by developing and maintaining long term strategic relationships. Her duties include responsibility for the development and delivery of the Foundation’s Fund Development Strategy and the Grant Strategy. Working days: 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 look over draft applications, prioritising groups with no paid staff and who are led by the communities they support. Karen’s working days are Monday, Wednesday & Thursday

Karen Walke LinkedIn page
Peter Foyle

Peter Foyle

Joint-head of SYFAB

Peter writes the SYFAB Funding News posts that are sent to local groups and keeps the website running smoothly. He deals with 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. He works on Tuesday and Wednesday (AM)

Peter Foyle LinkedIn page
Jess O'Neill

Jess O'Neill

Grants and Partnerships Manager

Jess is responsible for leading the team that delivers effectively and efficiently the SYCF's Grants Programmes and identifying improved ways of working and streamlining. Jess will be the lead officer for managing SYCF's proactive volunteer recruitment for its panels, recruiting and increasing diversity, training and providing on-going support including 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 normal hybrid working hours include Monday - Friday.

Adam Preston LinkedIn page
Alison Wade

Alison Wade

Finance Manager

Alison is responsible for the day-to-day management of all financial activity, our financial reporting and compliance. She is one of the main point 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