Chris, a partner with Mills & Reeve, has been a trustee since 2011. He will be aided by new vice chair Catherine Stewart, a Girton businesswoman and fundraiser.
The Foundation, described as “a force for change in your community”, helps donors to identify community projects of interest to them, and then offers grants to fund selected projects. In 2014 alone it handed more than £1.8 million to 224 different charities and community groups in Cambridgeshire.
The Foundation manages a growing number of charitable funds set up by companies, other charities, and individuals who wish to put their charity funds to good use, and considers applications for grants from community groups across the county.
Jane Darlington, Chief Executive at the Foundation since it was set up in 2004, said: “Working with our donors we target local needs and aim to maximise the impact of our donor’s giving. This means businesses and individuals working with us can make a difference in the community.”
Chris joined the CCF board in 2011 when he was introduced to the Foundation through his connection with the Mills & Reeve Community Fund that is administered by the Foundation.
He heads the Private Tax team at Mills & Reeve and is a member of the firm’s Making a Difference committee for social responsibility.
He is also vice-chair of national charity The Silver Line. He read law at Cambridge University before spending 14 years working in London and returning to Cambridge in 2009.
Outside the office Chris is a keen sportsman playing tennis and competing in triathlons.
Catherine became a trustee in November 2013 following the creation of a fund at CCF in memory of her late husband John who was an internet pioneer and keen cyclist and rower.
Chris said: “I am convinced of the merits of the Community Foundation model. I have seen first-hand how the expertise and local knowledge offered helps donors find, and engage with, projects which have a real impact in our county and beyond.
Catherine said: “The support and guidance offered by the Foundation helped me shape the focus and effectiveness of my Fund.”
The new chairman succeeds Peter Gutteridge who chaired the Foundation from 2009. Under Peter’s chairmanship, the Foundation saw significant growth. Endowed charitable funds set up by donors now stand at £5m. These endowed funds ensure there is a sustainable long term source of grant support for community projects into the future.
Jane said: “Peter played a key role in our recent development and we are now set for the next phase. There is much still to be done if we are to keep up with demand, and to help address unmet needs. We need to continue to build relationships with those who wish to channel their giving through the Foundation and Chris and Catherine will be a perfect partnership to carry on our vital work for the benefit of all the communities that make up the county.”
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