A CHARITY has introduced two new roles to “strengthen and grow” its impact in tackling the big issues.

Cumbria Community Foundation distributes more than £2 million in grants every year to supportive community groups and individuals on behalf of donors.

Dr Jenny Benson and Jacqui Currie will help further this cause in their new roles at the charity this month.

Dr Jenny Benson has been promoted to the position of Director of Programmes and Partnerships. Jenny joined the Foundation nearly five years ago to manage the £10.3m Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund and has more recently undertaken a role to promote philanthropic giving.

Jenny will lead the charity’s grant making and be responsible for developing and establishing strategic partnerships that will generate further investment into the voluntary sector.

She said: “I am delighted to be taking on this new opportunity. I have always been passionate about serving our local communities and care deeply about addressing local needs and looking after the most vulnerable people in our community.”

Jacqui Currie will take on the Head of Development role, having worked for the Foundation for more than a year as 20th Anniversary Events and Fundraising Coordinator.

With the senior leadership team she will seek out new opportunities for engagement and funding streams, as well as lead on membership and ambassador programmes.

Jacqui said: “This is a great opportunity, which I am delighted to accept. I am determined to increase engagement with individuals and organisations across the county and beyond to help the Foundation continue to grow.” As a proud Cumbrian, I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to help address disadvantage across my home county and I will be encouraging those who are in a position to give in these challenging times to channel their support through the Foundation.”

Andy Beeforth, OBE, Chief Executive with the Community Foundation said, “Jacqui and Jenny bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion to their work at the Community Foundation.

“We’re delighted they’ve accepted these challenging roles at a time when the work of the Community Foundation has never been more important.”