Leeds Community Foundation and GiveBradford have appointed Leeds-born philanthropy specialist Josh Lawrence as their new Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, strengthening the charity’s leadership as it prepares for its next phase of growth.
Josh, who grew up in Leeds and has deep family ties to Bradford, brings more than a decade of experience in philanthropy and corporate fundraising in the UK and Australia. Most recently, he was Head of Corporate Partnerships at St John Ambulance, where he led on strategic relationships that helped expand the organisation’s lifesaving community work. His previous roles include senior positions with Ronald McDonald House Charities Western Australia and Curtin University, where he developed major donor and corporate giving programmes that delivered lasting community benefit.
In his new role, Josh will lead the Foundation’s fundraising and partnership’s strategy, working closely with individuals, businesses, and philanthropic partners to generate sustainable investment in Leeds’ and Bradford communities.
Josh said: “Joining Leeds Community Foundation and GiveBradford feels like a return home. It aligns with the work I want to do and the places I want to contribute to. This is the first time I can build relationships and fundraising in the places I care most about. I am looking forward to meeting community groups, businesses and donors across both cities and showing the real impact their support can generate.”
The same principles will guide his work across Leeds and Bradford. He said: “Strong partnerships are built on shared purpose. When both sides feel valued and connected to the outcome, the impact can be significant and long lasting.”
The Foundation has invested £70M in communities across Leeds and Bradford during the last two decades. Josh’s role is to help build on that legacy by widening participation and encouraging more people to see how accessible philanthropy can be.
He said: “Flexible funding allows grassroots groups to be creative and resilient. If we make it easier for individuals, businesses and advisors to get involved, we can open the door to the next stage of the Foundation’s growth.
“Businesses in particular have a vital role to play. They are intertwined with their communities. Their employees and customers live here and their success is connected to the wellbeing of the city. Community investment isn’t only the right thing to do, it’s good for business. It can strengthen workplace culture and shows that business stands for something beyond profit.”
Steph Taylor, Chief Executive of Leeds Community Foundation, said: “Josh brings a wealth of experience in philanthropy and partnership development, along with a real passion for connecting generosity with local impact. As we look ahead to the next chapter of our work, his leadership will play a key role in helping us strengthen relationships, inspire new investment from business and key individuals, and ensure that vital community organisations continue to thrive.”
Josh’s first public engagement will be The Business of Giving, an event delivered with Leeds University Business School marking twenty years of local impact across Leeds and Bradford. Enabling Josh to meet many of the Foundation’s partners and supporters for the first time, the event aims to reaffirm a shared commitment to inclusive growth and inspire continued collaboration across sectors.
Josh is currently completing an MBA in Executive Leadership, something he says is helping him bring new thinking, innovation and a values led approach into his role. He added: “Most of all, I am pleased to be part of a team that cares deeply about Leeds and Bradford. There is important work ahead, and I am looking forward to contributing.”
For more information about Leeds Community Foundation and GiveBradford, visit www.leedscf.org.uk and https://www.givebradford.org.uk/
