Community Foundation Spotlight
Lisa Calvert is a partner at Ford Campbell Freedman (FCF) which is a member of Leeds Community Foundation.
She recently took the time to talk to us about FCF’s involved with the foundation and what drivers it to support the organisation.
“With a legacy of supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs for over 80 years, social value and how people view and care about the area they live in are key to our core values within the firm.”
Adding that the support also stemmed from her background.
“As a Leeds girl born and bred, local projects which help and develop local communities are especially important to me.
“Leeds is a vibrant city bringing together many different cultures and ideas. With leading universities attracting fresh, young talent to the area, the city strives to keep these future leaders by providing them with everything they need whilst drawing on its strong heritage.”
Calvert explained that whilst the pandemic had changed her opinion on the importance of community investment it has “highlighted the need for it even more than before.”
The partner noted how Covid-19 and the ongoing cost of living crisis has “widened the gap in social equality and has hit those most in need hardest”. This she says means that FCF and herself in particular “feel it is the responsibility of those who can invest in their communities to do so.”
Adding that becoming a member of the Leeds Community Foundation “really enables positive social change across Leeds and beyond”.
Leeds Community Foundation creates opportunities for all by working with partners to make a positive impact within communities across Leeds and Bradford. We do this by generating and investing philanthropic giving as well as maximising statutory funding to deliver grants and provide trusted expertise into Community Organisations, benefitting thousands of local people. You can support the work directly through an annual donation via Leeds Community Foundation membership which enables the organisation to create meaningful social impact for thousands of local people each year.
