20 Years, 20 Voices celebrates the people, charities, donors and partners who have helped shape Sussex Community Foundation over the past two decades.
For Humphrey Price and his daughter Jo Beard, local giving is about understanding the needs on their doorstep and helping the people working to meet them. Since establishing the Price Family Fund in 2017, Humphrey has more recently brought Jo into the decision-making process, sharing their commitment to supporting grassroots organisations across Sussex, particularly those working with children and young people.
Humphrey first became involved with Sussex Community Foundation in 2007, after a cousin who chaired Essex Community Foundation recommended getting in touch. He went on to serve as a trustee for nine years, discovering just how much need exists across Sussex.
“It's a very effective way of giving money where it's needed,” he says. “You learn something every day.”
When Humphrey established the Price Family Fund, supporting children and young people felt like a natural focus. His previous experience as Chair of Round Table introduced him to the needs of local communities and the work of grassroots charities, while Jo's experience working in schools gave her a similar appreciation of the challenges facing young people. These shared interests helped shape the fund's focus, although they remain open to supporting other local causes where they see a need.
In recent years, Jo has become involved in reviewing applications and making funding decisions alongside her father. For her, this has brought a new perspective on the county she has called home throughout her life.
“Under the guise of this lovely county, there are definitely places that need more help. It makes me realise how fortunate I am and my children are. Being able to support other families and contribute something extra to society feels really meaningful.”
Youth clubs have been among the organisations that have particularly stood out to Humphrey and Jo. They see how these spaces offer much more than activities, providing young people with opportunities to socialise, feel a sense of belonging and access support when they need it.
Jo explains that young people may not even realise how much support they are receiving because they are simply enjoying themselves.
The family also values being able to see the difference locally. From following youth clubs' activities online to visiting community groups nearby, they can see how their support helps organisations respond to needs within their own communities.
“It's the local,” says Humphrey. “You want to give locally because you can see in front of you the difference.”
Sussex Community Foundation helps make this possible by connecting fundholders with smaller charities and community groups, carrying out due diligence and helping them understand where funding is needed. For Jo, this reassurance is an important part of the process, particularly when supporting smaller organisations that may have limited resources.
Humphrey and Jo make funding decisions together, discussing applications and drawing on the wider family's interests. They value the flexibility to support organisations over time while also responding when an urgent need arises.
“The need is now,” says Humphrey. “Sometimes there's an urgency which you've got to satisfy if you can.”
For Humphrey, involving Jo is also about ensuring the fund continues into the future. He hopes she will eventually take the lead, allowing the family's commitment to local giving to continue across generations.
Their approach reflects a belief that charitable giving is not a one-off gesture, but an ongoing commitment to the communities around them.
Asked what advice they would give to other families considering giving together, Humphrey's answer is simple: “Do it.”
A family fund offers the opportunity to support causes that matter to you, make decisions together and build a lasting connection with the organisations making a difference in your community.
If you'd like to find out more about giving locally, get in touch for an informal conversation about your needs and aims and to find out how we can help.
If you’d like to find out more about how you could support local causes across Sussex, get in touch for an informal conversation about your interests and aims. Our Philanthropy team would be happy to talk through how we can help.
Email us or call 01273 409 440 .
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