Dorset Community Foundation is encouraging younger and more diverse people to apply to join its board of trustees as it looks to strengthen the range of perspectives guiding the organisation.
The foundation, which has been supporting communities for 25 years, distributes more than £1.3 million in grants each year to groups and individuals across Dorset. It is now hoping to recruit trustees who have direct experience of working with grassroots charities and voluntary organisations, or who have personally benefited from their support, to help bring a deeper understanding of the challenges those groups face.
Applicants with financial or investment experience are also being sought.
Chair of the foundation, Tom Flood, said the current board already brings a strong mix of skills and knowledge.
“We are fortunate to have a wide range of experience and knowledge on our board and they do a brilliant job supporting the community foundation,” he said.
“However, we are always keen to broaden that experience and knowledge by welcoming a different type of trustee than people might traditionally expect to see around a boardroom table.
“We would particularly like to see younger people applying, as well as individuals from some of the communities we support, because their experiences can help us better understand the challenges those communities face. We know there are many people who want to give something back and have valuable skills they can share.”
Mr Flood added that many grassroots community organisations and charities are still coping with the effects of the cost of living crisis while demand for their services continues to rise.
“That is why we are looking for individuals who are energetic, committed and actively involved in their communities, and who understand local issues and potential solutions,” he said.
Dorset Community Foundation is one of 47 community foundations across the UK. It works with private donors, charitable trusts and public organisations to direct funding to hundreds of small community groups throughout Dorset. Since 2000, donors working with the foundation have distributed more than £22 million to local groups and individuals.
Trustees help guide the organisation by shaping its strategy, ensuring it meets charity and financial regulations, safeguarding its financial stability and supporting its development.
Mr Flood said trustees should also have a strong passion for Dorset and the voluntary sector.
“They need to be willing to speak up, think creatively, exercise independent judgement and work effectively as part of a team,” he added.
The board meets four times a year. Trustees are also expected to sit on at least one sub-committee, which meets four or five times annually. Members can serve up to two three-year terms.
More information about the trustee role and how to apply is available at dorsetcommunityfoundation.org/vacancies. Alternatively, enquiries can be made by emailing admin@dorsetcf.org or calling 01202 670815.
