A GROUP of nine respected business leaders, philanthropists and community champions have been appointed as patrons of South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation - including a Barnsley woman.
Entrepreneur and leadership expert, Jill White, will act as an ambassador for the foundation, helping to raise awareness of its work, champion local philanthropy and support efforts to strengthen communities across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.
She said: “I’m incredibly proud to become a patron of South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation and keen to champion philanthropy, particularly in Barnsley, where my roots are firmly planted.
“My dad worked down the pit and my mum worked at the Co-op in Wombwell, so I know the importance of community and people supporting one another.
“Having built and grown businesses over 30 years alongside my husband, Andy, I have always believed in the principle of ‘if I can, you can’.
“Throughout my career, I’ve always been passionate about helping people fulfil their potential.
“The foundation has an incredible track record of creating opportunities and strengthening communities across South Yorkshire and I’m delighted to play a small part in helping that work reach even more people.”
South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation is the region’s largest grant-giving charity.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, it’s awarded more than £40m in grants to grassroots organisations across South Yorkshire over the past four decades.
Martin Singer, chief executive, added: “It is a privilege to welcome our new patrons and we’re absolutely delighted to have them on board.
“This is an important step in our journey to build a strong network of ambassadors who can help us expand our reach across all four corners of South Yorkshire.
“We hope this is the beginning of a growing patron community that will support our mission going forward.
“They understand the challenges facing local communities and share our commitment to helping people and places thrive.
“We look forward to working together to inspire more philanthropy, strengthen community connections and create even greater opportunities for people across our region.”
