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We’re delighted to announce that we are working in partnership with The Summerfield Charitable Trust to take forward a pioneering investment strategy which aims to improve the lives of thousands of people in the county. In a joint press release issued today, the Trust announced plans to change its funding approach and invest in “innovative, game-changing projects” which will leave a lasting legacy within local communities.

You can download a copy of the press release here. 

Our role involves working with local VCSE sector groups, organisations and communities to co-produce a range of investment proposals for the Trust’s Board to consider. These proposals will be focussed within 6 core themes: 

1. A Connected Society, which will focus on building more strongly connected communities; 
2. Aging Well, which will focus on supporting older people to have a good quality of life; 
3. Arts and Culture, which will focus on developing ways of increasing participation in creativity, arts and culture; 
4. Children and Families, which will focus on building support for local families with children under the age of 5; 
5. Action for Nature and Climate, which will focus on enabling communities to take action for nature and encouraging individual and collective behaviours that reduce the use of carbon; and 
6. Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) infrastructure, which aims to develop organisational support that enables the sector to innovate and thrive.

You can download a summary of the Investment Strategy here. 

We are currently recruiting to the project’s Core Group. The Core Group will design our approach to working with communities and will shape ideas into coherent investment proposals. 

How to apply to join our Core Group?

Please send a letter or video stating:  

• Your current role 
• The contribution you would see yourself making to the Core Group 
• How you would participate in extending the reach of the Core Group into communities that are currently under-represented in decision-making processes 
• Your strategic leadership experience in any of the following areas: a connected society, aging well, arts and culture, children and families and action for nature and climate. 

If you would like to find out more about this role, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 07845 015011. You can find a copy of the Core Group Member role description here.

Please send your Expression of Interest to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 5 pm on 3 May 2024. Please also keep 15 May 2024 free until you have heard back from us as this is the selection day. 

How can I find out more about this project?

Please email any queries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Any press enquiries should be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

How can I keep updated about the project?

We will publish updates on our website, via our social media and in our mailings. You can follow Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance on X: @GlosVCSAlliance and on Facebook: GlosVCSAlliance. You can also sign up to our mailings here.

How can I find out more about Summerfield Charitable Trust?

The Summerfield Charitable Trust was established in 1989 and has allocated more than £7 million in grants to good causes in Gloucestershire. The Trust has funded a range of community projects including those in the arts, natural heritage, environment, education, recreation and sport. You can find out more about The Summerfield Charitable Trust by visiting their website: www.summerfield.org.uk. You can also find The Summerfield Charitable Trust on X: @SummerfieldNews.