Faces behind the Foundation: Adam Preston
Adam’s job involves grant distribution and management, project-lead work, on-boarding and being a focal point for community groups around South Yorkshire.
Much of his time is spent working within our wonderful Grants Team as an assessor, due diligence checker and answering general enquires. His other key role with the Foundation focuses on IT consultation, CRM system integration projects and environmental contracts.
Before joining SYCF, Adam was a Project Co-ordinator at RISE/Gradconsult Sheffield.
Adam, who lives in Sheffield, has a BA in History from The University of Sheffield and is also a qualified FA Referee!
Although I would consider myself incredibly early on in my career, I started in a Graduate Scheme role that focused on graduate retention within Sheffield as a Project Co-ordinator. I found that after my temporary contract was coming to a close, SYCF was looking for a well-rounded graduate to work as a business support officer. I was particularly interested in both the environment and IT and this meant moving from Business Support to Programmes and Projects Co-ordinator and finally to my current role of Grants and Projects Officer.
I joined SYCF In January of 2023. I had previous voluntary experience and had seen first-hand what improving an individuals or groups access to support, funding and expertise can do for local communities, South Yorkshire was no exception. I have resided in Sheffield since 2018 (where I came for my university degree) and have always appreciated the efforts of small-scale community initiatives and work. SYCF allowed for me to work on a national and regional scale and develop expertise across a multi-faceted working environment.
The most rewarding aspect of my role is assisting in vocalising the work of those in society who are historically not given a voice. Helping to educate, distribute funding and make tangible changes for the most vulnerable in society or those who are also helping the former.
I love where I live and work. I think the music venues in South Yorkshire are amongst the most prestigious of any place within the UK, alongside affordable events and pastime experiences that South Yorkshire has to offer!
In my spare time, I play in a local Hardcore Punk band as a vocalist/guitarist, I enjoy going on hikes and walks and date days with my partner. I am an avid runner and I love creating art and poetry. I do research on local climate statistics and research to help improve my knowledge of the living world. I also love reading about politics, sociology, psychology and history, more generally speaking.