I joined Sussex Community Foundation at the beginning of January as a Grants & Relationships Manager, and three weeks in, it’s already been a really positive start. It’s been great getting to know the team and learning more about the fantastic work the Foundation does across Sussex – and I’m now properly getting stuck in.

My role brings together two key elements of the Foundation’s work: grants and relationships, so I’ve been busy learning the ropes of both. On the grants side, I’ve been assessing applications and exploring the impact our funding has on small, local charities across the county. It’s been fascinating to see “behind the scenes” of organisations I have volunteered with in the past, such as Breadwinners and The Girls’ Network, as well as discovering a hugely diverse range of local causes – from surfing therapy for young people, to locally grown veg boxes for families, to hearing aids for Veterans.

It’s a reminder of how important small charities are, run by passionate people who are informed about the local community and environment, making change at a grassroots level.

On the relationships side, I’m beginning to take on responsibility for funds I’ll be managing going forward. I’ve been learning about our generous Fundholders, including the stories and motivations behind their giving. Some are inspired by personal experiences, others by a deep connection to their local area. A highlight so far has been attending grant presentations from the Rye Fund. The fund’s panel is made up of people who love their community in and around Rye and support a wide range of local causes, from one of the world’s oldest cricket clubs to debt advice services to a much-loved community bus making the town accessible to all.

Overall, it’s been a motivating and rewarding few weeks. What’s stood out most is seeing just how much people across Sussex care about their communities and each other. I’m looking forward to what’s next!