Trustee spotlight: Alison Griffiths - Cambridgeshire Community Foundation

Cambridgeshire Community Foundation depends on the invaluable contributions of our Trustees. In this interview series, we explore what inspired them to join, the skills they bring, and what they gain from the role.

Alison has been a valued member of our Board of Trustees since 2015.

Alison joined the Foundation as Trustee back in 2015, having had a 30-year career in finance and tax. Her background is as a qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA) and specialist Tax Advisor (CIOT), having worked as Global Tax Director for nearly 10 years for Inchcape plc, a global motor retailer and distributor.

Alison has now retired from employed roles and is a Trustee not only with us at the Foundation, but also at Caring Together Cambs, having also previously been a Trustee of Pinpoint Cambs.

After spending two decades commuting into London and travelling extensively for work, Alison was ready to connect more deeply with her local community. Keen to give back in a meaningful way, she looked for a Cambridgeshire-based charity where she could apply her finance and organisational skills. Joining Cambridgeshire Community Foundation as a Trustee offered the perfect opportunity to contribute to an organisation with ambitions to grow and deepen its local impact.

Making a local impact

For Alison, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a Trustee is helping the Foundation support grassroots organisations across the county.

“Being involved and bringing my experience to bear to help fund local organisations — and seeing the impact that has on the communities it seeks to reach — is incredibly fulfilling,” she says.

Drawing on her professional background, Alison plays an active role in shaping how the Foundation distributes funding and supports those most in need.

Alison has found the experience both surprising and humbling.

“The most humbling thing I’ve learned is the sheer number of people who give their time freely to help the Foundation reach and deliver quality outcomes and impact to its communities in a caring and understanding way,” she says.

She’s also been surprised by just how many organisations in Cambridgeshire are in need of support.

“There are so many community groups that simply can’t access the help they need through the usual social or charity sector channels — and the Foundation plays such an important role in reaching them through the funding it works tirelessly to secure.”

“
It’s so rewarding to bring my experience to bear to help fund local organisations and to see the impact that has on communities across the county.
”
Alison Griffiths
Trustee for Cambridgeshire Community Foundation

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