Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m delighted to have joined Quartet Community Foundation as Director of Development.
I bring nearly 20 years of experience in senior development roles across charities supporting young people, health, older people and community wellbeing. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the difference strong local organisations make to people’s lives and communities.
What have been some of the most rewarding aspects of your career?
I’ve been fortunate to work alongside passionate colleagues, volunteers, funders and community leaders who create positive change every day. The most rewarding moments have come from seeing what can be achieved when people come together around a shared purpose, whether supporting young people, reducing isolation, improving wellbeing or helping communities respond to challenges.
What have these experiences taught you?
They’ve reinforced my belief that communities are strongest when they are supported by long term investment, trusted relationships and organisations that understand local needs.
What attracted you to Quartet?
Quartet plays a unique role across the West of England, connecting local giving with local need. As communities face increasing challenges and the voluntary sector comes under growing pressure, Quartet’s role in growing philanthropy and strengthening long term community support is more important than ever.
How does Quartet help donors make a difference?
Quartet makes giving simple, effective and rewarding, connecting donors with the causes and communities they care about most and helping their generosity create meaningful local impact.
What excites you most about Quartet’s future?
I’m particularly inspired by Quartet’s commitment to increasing place based giving, supporting less well served communities and growing its endowment to create lasting impact. Joining at the start of a new three year strategy makes this an especially exciting time.
What are Quartet’s ambitions over the coming years?
By 2029, we aim to grow our endowment to £100 million, strengthen and diversify our donor base, build high impact partnerships and expand support for communities across the West of England. Ultimately, this growth is about increasing opportunities for local people and delivering lasting impact for future generations.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I’m looking forward to building relationships with donors, businesses, professional advisers, community organisations and partners across the region. Over the coming months, I’m keen to listen, learn and build connections across Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.
If you’d like to connect or explore how local philanthropy can help create meaningful and lasting local impact, I’d love to hear from you.
Email me at lucy.saunders@quartetcf.org.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn.