Retirement for Ruth
Ruth Willis is stepping down as chief executive of South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF) after more than a decade of service.
Ruth is retiring from her role at SYCF having been at the helm since 2013. She hands over to Martin Singer who is joining as the Foundation's new CEO.
SYCF supports thousands of community groups throughout Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield with grant funding and training to improve the lives of local people and make a positive difference.
During Ruth’s tenure, which started in 2013, she has been responsible for some of the Community Foundation’s biggest successes.
Ruth brought South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau into the organisation ensuring it continues to provide its valuable local and national funding training programme.
She also introduced Vital Signs – a major research project undertaken by SYCF every three years providing the opportunity for members of the public to have a say on their local area linked to ten key themes.
Chris Booth-Mayblin (left) presents a certificate and flowers to Ruth Willis
During the floods of 2019, Ruth negotiated match-funding against the Community Foundation’s Flood Appeal to create a fund of approximately £1.4 million to support affected households.
Throughout Covid, Ruth steered the Foundation through the pandemic, increasing its staff team to ensure it was able to continue awarding grants to community groups, charities and voluntary organisations.
Ruth said:
I’ve enjoyed a wonderful 12 years with the Community Foundation. It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside so many dedicated and talented colleagues, volunteers, donors, chairs and community groups who share my passion for making South Yorkshire a better place to live and work.
Together, we’ve supported countless local projects, created partnerships which have helped to strengthen communities and provided vital funding where it’s needed most. The generosity and resilience of people in South Yorkshire is truly inspiring.
I’m immensely proud of what we have achieved, and I retire knowing SYCF is in a strong position to continue its pivotal role as the cornerstone of community support in South Yorkshire.
With the High Sheriff Barry Eldred DL, Ruth was integral to producing the South Yorkshire Homeless Survival Guide and website.
She also led a Philanthropy Catalyst Match Fund Challenge - increasing the Foundation’s endowment by a further £1 million.
Other highlights included organising the 2017 Community Champion Awards in partnership with BBC Radio Sheffield, supporting the formation of South Yorkshire Charity Mentors, where she is currently a board member and helping to create the South Yorkshire Funder’s Forum bringing funders across the country together who have an interest in the region.
Chris Booth-Mayblin, chair of SYCF, said:
Ruth is a true advocate and champion for South Yorkshire. She’s been central to so many of the Foundation’s successes over the last 12 years – building a brilliant team with a first-class regional and national reputation.
Through streamlining our processes, the creation of new partnerships and a responsive approach, Ruth has increased the value of our grants distributed from £400,000 to £1.8 million per year which is an incredible legacy to leave as we prepare to move into a new era for the Foundation.
