Guildford Philanthropy appoints new Chair

Nikki Ackerley has been appointed Chair of Guildford Philanthropy. Current Chair Peter Cluff is stepping down after 7.5 years to take up a new role as Surrey’s High Sheriff for the coming year but will remain an active member of the Guildford Philanthropy panel.

Peter Cluff said: “Nikki is a longstanding Guildford resident and a proactive and passionate member of our community. There is no one better placed to take up the mantel of Chair. Guildford Philanthropy will go from strength to strength under her leadership and with the invaluable, ongoing guidance and support of our panel members.”

Nikki Acklerley and Peter Cluff

Nikki Ackerley said: “I have big shoes to fill! Under Peter’s guidance, Guildford Philanthropy has had a tremendous impact; it’s given over £500,000 in grants to local Guildford charities and organisations and now has a fund of over £1 million. I fully intend to continue to build on Peter’s achievements, grow the fund and continue to ensure local charities benefit from grants so that they can support those in need within our community. Our Corporate Ambassador Club is growing fast; some 44 companies in Guildford have supported it since Peter founded it in 2019 and my aim is to further build on this success.”

Guildford Philanthropy was specifically established in 2014 to tackle community inequality across Guildford Borough by providing grants to support education, employment, carers, skills and social enterprise. It is operated entirely by volunteers and receives donations from individuals and businesses. Match-funding support is provided by Guildford Borough Council boosting donations by as much as 50%.

Guildford Philanthropy is part of Community Foundation for Surrey.

Find out more about supporting Guildford Philanthropy or applying for a grant at https://guildfordphilanthropy.org.uk/