Could you be part of shaping and informing our grant making strategy and decisions?

We are looking for co-opted members to sit on our Grants Committee and Coronavirus Community Fund panel: Get involved & help ensure we make the best possible decisions for local, grassroots charitable organisations across North & East Yorkshire

We are seeking

Grants Committee Co-opted members x 2 – we want to add two more co-opted members to the Grants Committee to add added specific insight and experience. Co-opted members have the same responsibilities as trustees on the Grants Committee but the majority of the attendees must be trustees and the chair of the committee is always a trustee.

Coronavirus Community Fund Panel members x 2 – we are seeking two new panel members to join an existing panel as we move into the third phase of our grant making to support groups responding and rebuilding

In both instances we are looking for people who can add lived or working experience of the issues and challenges of communities across our region. We are looking to recruit people from the BME community, people who are familiar with issues associated with severe and multiple disadvantage or people who have volunteered or run small charitable organisations.

What’s the difference between the two roles?

If you want to get involved in the strategic direction of Two Ridings Community Foundation’s grant making then the Grants Committee is the place to get involved. The Grants Committee reports to the Two Ridings Board of Trustees and is responsible for overseeing our grant making strategy and related oversight (but does make decisions on one or two programmes of funding).

If you want to be actively involved in making decisions about a programme of grants and the allocation of funds then the Coronavirus Community Fund Panel is the one to apply to. It makes decisions about awards from this fund based on overall direction from the Grants Committee.

What are we looking for?

The following shows the relevant attributes and skills we are looking for from applicants. We would particularly welcome applications from people of colour because we are looking to diversify who makes decisions about our activity, including grants.

With the grants committee role we are looking for more in depth experience of the issues and more strategic experience – e.g. membership of board.

  • Experience of making strategic decisions and an awareness of associated risk management.
  • Experience of volunteering or working for a charity or social enterprise in the Two Ridings area of North & East Yorkshire
  • Being an expert by experience of issues in our region – we are particularly wanting to be able to recruit people from the BME community, people who are familiar with issues associated with severe and multiple disadvantage or people who have volunteered or run small charitable organisations
  • Ability to take in detailed information, assess the relative merits of applications, and use own and others experience to inform decisions without allowing personal views or biases to get in the way of making the right decision
  • Ability to maintain confidence of decisions made & respect outcomes
  • Appreciative of different perspectives & sees and values people as being resourceful and bringing strengths, not problems
  • Passionate about social justice

 What’s the time commitment?

The Grants Committee meets quarterly in June, September, December & March. Meetings are usually in the afternoon on a Monday (usually the second Monday of the month) and last up to 2 hours (2020/21 dates) are 7 Dec 2020 at 13.30 &8 March 2021 at 14.30. Meetings are currently being held via Zoom.

Coronavirus Community Fund Panel meets monthly and usually meets at 11am on a Wednesday via Zoom. Currently we expect the panel to meet through to early 2021 but may carry on longer depending on funds available to distribute.

We would hold induction sessions for any new committee/panel member in advance of the first formal meeting.

Interested?

To apply please send an email to Jan Garrill, CEO, ([email protected] ) outlining briefly why you would like to join either our Grants Committee or the Coronavirus Community Panel. Please also describe how you meet the attributes and skills described above.

We are more than happy to cover any reasonable out of pocket expenses caused by participating in the panels or grants committee.

Still not sure?

We recognise that these might appear daunting responsibilities, but you would be supported, given a good induction and would be working alongside others who would support and be welcoming. If you want to talk to Jan or Jackie McCafferty (Programmes Manager) about the role please do get in touch. Telephone our office on 01904 929500 or email Jan as above.

Deadline for expressions of interest is 9am on 1st September 2020. We would interview suitable applicants during September.