Community foundation CEO to step down
The CEO and founder of Leeds Community Foundation is to step down after 13 years, during which she has lead the team in raising over £50m in donations and distributing over £33m in grants.
Sally-Anne Greenfield set up the foundation in her living room in September 2004. The foundation now has a team of 17 and is clear on its approach to create positive change in the communities of Leeds that need it most.
In the 13 years it has been running, LCF has raised more than £50m in donations and distributed over £33m in grants to local community groups. More than 4,600 grants have been issued and projects have included the reopening of the Old Fire Station in Gipton into a vital hub for use by the community and establishing the Leeds Flood Relief Appeal following the devastation to the city in 2015.
Greenfield was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Leeds Beckett University in recognition of her hard work in supporting thousands of charities and good causes in the region.
Greenfield said: “I’m immensely proud of our achievements and seeing how much LCF has grown. It has been a privilege to lead the foundation in its work to help improve the lives of thousands of people in the communities of Leeds – some in ways that have been life changing, others in terms of practical, everyday support.
“It has been a fantastic experience working with a very dedicated team of Trustees who have given up their time, freely, to guide the foundation forward. It’s also been a real pleasure to work with an incredibly talented team of staff who bring endless passion and enthusiasm to their roles. I will watch the continued growth and success of LCF with great interest.”
Greenfield will stay in place until early 2018 as a successor is sought. She will then move into a consultancy role to bring her skills and experience in CSR, philanthropy and strategy to a wide range of businesses and third sector organisations.
Rachel Hannan, chair of Leeds Community Foundation said: “Sally-Anne’s leadership has positioned the Foundation as one of the leading organisations of its kind in the UK. Her hard work and dedication over the years has contributed hugely to the development of a very special organisation, which does much to help improve the lives of many in our city.
“We will be very sorry to see her go, but she leaves behind an organisation and impressive team that is in a stronger position than ever to build on its successes and help create a city of opportunity for all, and we have a detailed succession plan in place to ensure a smooth transition.”
