THE Pearce Foundation Supporting you to support others Annual Report 2024 www.pearcefoundation.org.uk
The Pearce Foundation was founded in 2022 to help small Sussex charities build strong foundations for sustainable growth.
Our trustees
Jane Robbie
Charlotte Moroney
Jane Waller
Janice Taylor
Ronald Olufunwa
Communications officer
Zoya Rasul
Our skill-sharers
Rich James
Caz O'Kane Emily Webster
Welcome from the Founder
2024 has been another challenging year for charities. Funding cuts, rising living costs, staffing pressures, and increased interest rates have placed significant strain on the sector, forcing many organisations to close. At the Pearce Foundation, we remain committed to strengthening charities so they can navigate these challenges and grow sustainably.
This year, we supported five fledgling charities and continued to demonstrate the impact of our ‘more than money’ model. We don’t just provide funding— we walk alongside our partners, learning and growing together. As a fledgling organisation ourselves, we understand both the joys and the pitfalls of starting out. This shared experience shapes how we support others on their journey.
We’ve also seen first-hand how small moments of support—being a sounding board, offering encouragement, and creating space to reflect— can be just as transformative as financial investment.
Though we are small, our impact is real - and it is meaningful.
Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. By asking the right questions, listening carefully, and connecting leaders with our growing network of skill-sharers, we’ve helped our partners gain the clarity and practical tools they need to build strong foundations.
I love what I do, and am constantly inspired by the passionate leaders we support. Though we are small, our impact is real - and it is meaningful. A huge thank you to our partners, skillsharers, trustees, and everyone who makes the Pearce Foundation such a positive and supportive community.
J a n e e R o b b i e
Jane Robbie
Founder & Chair, The Pearce Foundation
Who we are & what we do
The Pearce Foundation offers financial and wraparound support to small, fledgling charities and not-for-profit organisations in Sussex. Our more than money model strengthens organisational foundations for sustainable growth.
Wellbody Wellmind Wellbeing feels more sustainable and robust, and our roots are strengthened.
Maria O’Donnell & Maria Hartley
We work in-depth with each charity for up to a year, taking a coaching-led approach that empowers our partners to drive their own development. Our support is tailored, responsive, and deep-rooted in each organisation’s needs—whether that’s strengthening governance, shaping a fundraising strategy, enhancing communications, developing a website or securing essential equipment. Whatever the focus, our goal remains the same: enhancing organisational effectiveness for sustainable growth. By building resilience and capacity, our partners can focus on what truly matters— delivering meaningful support to their communities.
Our grant-making process is designed with long-term future sustainability in mind, providing timely support at key stages of organisational growth. We believe in growing alongside our partners, building meaningful, lasting relationships from the early stages and beyond. To ensure ongoing support, we offer funding opportunities every other year, with a long-term vision of the Pearce Foundation developing in parallel alongside our charity partners for years to come.
We value people’s ability to lead on their own development. We also believe our Partners have many of the answers. Our role is to ask the right questions in a supportive environment. We focus on their agenda, help clarify & set goals and provide the support and the means to achieve them.
What our coaching approach looks like
Support from the Pearce Foundation was not just financial, which I have not come across before. Discussing our organisation in detail made me think about the future sustainability rather than just dealing with the day-to-day issues.
Zoe Prior, Founder - Pass It On
The Pearce Foundation are a thoughtful and supportive charity that take into
consideration where you are in your journey and how the support will look for you to make progress. We were so appreciative of the time and thought that Jane provided; it was very obvious that our support was genuine and unique to us.
Directors, The Cay College
The difference we made
100%
96%
100%
100%
of partners rated the quality of support received as 100%
of partners said regular check-ins helped them achieve their goals
----- Start of picture text -----
100%
----- End of picture text -----
of partners said our support will have a positive impact on the communities they serve
96%
of partners said their foundations were now more robust after our support
100%
----- Start of picture text -----
100%
----- End of picture text -----
of partners said the wraparound support was more impactful than had they received just financial support alone
The Pearce Foundation helped us find direction and how to communicate this effectively.
Lindsay White, Community Supporters
To have external belief in our concept and dream meant the world to us.
Victoria Read, The Cay College
Case study: The La Di Da Society
Working with a funder like the Pearce Foundation has been a very new and different experience for me. Having worked in the charity sector and involved in fundraising for many years, I have never come across a funder who works so closely with organisations and who genuinely cares about the cause and people involved. The Pearce Foundation provides unfaltering support, actively going out of its way to help the organisations that it works with.
I gained a real insight into my own leadership skills, having been given the space to talk about and reflect on these. It has made me look at how I manage my team and has certainly improved my skills in this area.
The most valuable support came from check-ins, where there was a safe and non-judgmental space to offload and reflect on my work. As a sole employee leading a small charity, there is no other space for me to do this.
I do believe that our foundations are now stronger since working with the Pearce Foundation. We have better evidence of the work that we do that we will be able to showcase to future funders. The support has had a much bigger impact than money alone. The money would have been lost in our general running costs, instead we were able to think outside the box and use it for other things that we would not have otherwise done.
Becca Lundberg, The La Di Da Society
The La Di Da Society is a Hove-based organisation that runs daytime cabaret and dance events for people aged 60 years+ at Ralli Hall in Hove. They aim to ensure that all older people have access to something that can help them to meet new people, feel part of the community, keep active and most importantly have fun.
Our charity partners 2024
The CAY College is an alternative education provider in Worthing, offering tailored, skills-based learning and entrepreneurial opportunities for young SEND learners.
The La Di Da Society run daytime cabaret and dance events for people aged 60 years+ to help them feel part of the community, keep active and most importantly have fun.
Community Supporters is an environmental education charity in Rother, Bexhill, promoting environmental awareness, conservation, and protection of the natural world for public benefit.
Pass It On is a volunteer-led CIC in Hailsham, East Sussex, running a community fridge and clothes library. Open to all, they support the local community while preventing large amounts of food waste.
Wellbeing Wellbody Wellmind are a Worthing-based charity running a broad range of experiential wellbeing workshops and programmes targeting disadvantaged groups of all ages.
What our partners need
The Pearce Foundation begins by getting to know each partner’s leadership style, values, vision, and goals. Using a charity wheel, they work together to explore the current state of the organisation, identify areas that need support, and prioritise actions. Partners are then connected with relevant skill-sharers and offered regular check-ins and coaching sessions to stay on track and evaluate progress over time.
We were excited about the opportunity to grow and strengthen our impact through this invaluable partnership. The Pearce Foundation provided us with:
-
support in creating our Theory of Change support in a complete overhaul of our website, including the opportunity to have professional photographs taken for our website
-
charity coaching support
-
support in exploring our three-year strategy
-
support in writing our successful National Lottery application
Board of Trustees, Wellbody Wellmind Wellbeing
Our skill-sharing model
At the heart of our more than money model is skill-sharing. We understand that every organisation has unique needs. That is why we take the time to listen, understand our partners' goals, and work together to ensure our funding and support create the greatest impact.
Our skill-sharers are central to this tailored approach. As experts in their fields, they provide specialised guidance, working closely with charity partners on key areas of development. By sharing their knowledge, time, and expertise, they help strengthen charity leaders and their organisations, equipping them with the tools and confidence needed for long-term success.
In 2024, these included:
-
Developing fundraising strategies Measuring and evaluating impact Improving communications Strategy design and planning
-
Developing organisational structure Purchasing new equipment Providing coaching sessions Improving systems and time management
The Pearce Foundation is a shining example of a funder that genuinely What our skill sharers say understands the needs and challenges of small charities. It's a pleasure to be part of their support offer and help these amazing fledgling organisations take the next exciting step in their journey.
Richard James
Our fundraising & strategy skill-sharer
I love nothing more than hearing about local organisations, with heart What our skill sharers say and soul, doing good things. The Pearce Foundation is a truly special funder with bucket loads of experience and empathy to share. Very happy to be there to support in any way I can.
Caz O’Kane
Our fundraising & strategy skill-sharer
What our partners say
Here’s a word cloud of the expressions our partners have used to convey what our support has meant to them.
Team updates
We were pleased to introduce Emily Webster, as one of our new skill-sharers. A leadership coach with expertise in inclusion for a multi-academy trust, Emily worked closely with the Directors of The Cay College, delivering a series of coaching sessions.
Ronald Olufunwa
We were delighted to welcome Ronald Olufunwa to our Board of Trustees. With over 25 years of experience in financial planning across the corporate and charity sectors, Ronald’s expertise will play a key role in shaping our financial strategy and strengthening our governance.
Emily Webster
We are thrilled to welcome Ronald and Emily to our team. Ronald’s extensive experience in financial planning will be invaluable in shaping our strategic direction, while Emily’s expertise in leadership development will enrich the support we offer. We look forward to working closely with them.
Jane Robbie, Founder
Looking ahead
2025 Strategy
As we move into 2025, we’re excited to see our 2023 pilot partner, Flourish Mentors progress to the next stage of our three-stage grant-making model. We also look forward to welcoming four new charities into our network, further expanding our model of support.
We are thoroughly excited to join The Pearce Foundation again!
Flourish Mentors
Our Trustees meet quarterly to assess our progress and direction, with their discussions informing the charity's longer-term strategy.
As part of our commitment to provide ongoing support to our partners, we invite them to reapply every other year. This year, Flourish Mentors are our pilot partners for the ‘Scaling Up’ stage, following their initial partnership in 2023. They bring valuable experience to our peer support groups as we learn and grow together.
Our 2023 cohort shared their feedback at the end-of-partnership review meeting
Insights from this year’s partner cohort have shaped and refined our approach for the year ahead. As a small organisation, we remain agile - able to listen, adapt, and implement new ideas quickly.
Our key priorities for the coming year are informed by: Partner feedback Internal discussions with the trustees Feedback from skill-sharers
These insights ensure that our strategy remains responsive, effective, and aligned with the evolving needs of our partners. Jane Robbie
Financial Overview
2024 Grant Spend – Partner Priorities
As part of our ongoing learning and research into what small charities need to grow sustainably, we track how our grants are used. In addition to financial investment, regular check-ins and wider support were offered in-kind to every partner.
Here’s how this year’s cohort chose to allocate their funding:
Communications
People
Operations
Website, promo film, Leadership and photography team development
Equipements and systems
----- Start of picture text -----
60% 22%
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
7%
----- End of picture text -----
Strategy
One to three year planning
Fundraising
Bid writing and budgeting
----- Start of picture text -----
6%
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
4%
----- End of picture text -----
Note: We continued to operate with minimal core costs in 2024, with only one paid role - a part-time Communications Officer. All operational, strategic, and coaching support was provided on a voluntary basis, with over 1,000 hours contributed across the year. This enabled us to keep overheads low and direct more funding to our charity partners’ growth and sustainability.
About us
At the Pearce Foundation, we envision a world where communities come together to support, share and thrive. We believe small charities can make a big difference by driving meaningful change where it is needed most.
We provide financial and bespoke wraparound support to small, fledgling charities and not-for-profit organisations in Sussex. We help them establish solid foundations for sustainable growth.
By supporting these charities, we contribute to a happier, healthier, and more equitable world.
Connect with us:
www.pearcefoundation.org.uk
admin@pearcefoundation.org.uk
The Pearce Foundation’s Registered Charity Number: 1198611
| The Pearce Foundation | 1198611 |
|---|---|
| Receipts and payments accounts |
CC16a
For the period 1/1/2024 31/12/2024 To from Section A Receipts and payments Unrestricted Endowment Restricted funds Total funds Last year funds funds to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ A1 Receipts
| Investment | - | -- | - | -- | - | 585- | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest | - | 4,412- | - | -- | - | -- | - | 4,412- | ||||||||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||||||||
| - | 4,412- | - | -- | - | -- | - | 4,412- | - | 585- | |||||||||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) |
| A2 Asset and investment sales, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (see table). | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Transact investments | - | -- | - | -- | - | 120,000- | ||||||||||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||||||||
| Sub total | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | 120,000- | ||||||||||
| **Total receipts ** | - | 4,412- | - | -- | - | -- | - | 4,412- | - | 120,585- |
| **Total receipts ** | - | 4,412- | - | -- | - | -- | - | 4,412- | - | 120,585- | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A3 Payments | ||||||||||||||
| Charity partner grants | - | 8,034- | - | -- | - | -- | - | 8,034- | - | 4,567- | ||||
| Self-employed payment | - | 3,851- | - | -- | - | -- | - | 3,851- | - | 3,735- | ||||
| Admin costs | - | 3,084- | - | -- | - | -- | - | 3,084- | - | 877- | ||||
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- |
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
24/06/2025
1
| - | -- | - | -- | -- | - | -- | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||||||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||||||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||||||||||
| **Sub total ** | - | 14,969- | - | -- | - | -- | - | 14,969- | - | 9,179- | ||||||||||||
| **Sub total ** | - | 14,969- | - | -- | -- | - | -- | -- | - | 14,969- | - | 9,179- | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A4 Asset and investment | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| purchases, (see table) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||||||||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||||||||||||
| **Sub total ** | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | ||||||||||||||
| **Total payments ** | - | 14,969- | - | -- | - | -- | - | 14,969- | - | 9,179- | ||||||||||||
| **Net of receipts/(payments) ** | - | 10,557- | - | -- | - | -- | - | 10,557- | - | 111,406- | ||||||||||||
| A5 Transfers between funds | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | ||||||||||||
| A6 Cash funds last year end | - | 9,028- | - | -- | - | -- | - | 9,028- | ||||||||||||||
| **Cash funds this year end ** | - | 1,529- | - | -- | - | -- | - | 1,529- | - | 111,406- | ||||||||||||
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Unrestricted | Restricted funds | Restricted funds | Endowment | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Categories | Details | funds | funds | |||||||||||||
| to nearest £ | to nearest £ | to nearest £ | ||||||||||||||
| B1 | Cash | funds | Banks | - | 110,205- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||||||||
| Total cash funds | - | 110,205- | - | -- | - | -- | ||||||||||
| (agree balances with receipts and payments account (s)) |
Agreement Error | OK | OK | |||||||||||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted funds | Endowment | ||||||||||||||
| Details | funds to nearest £ |
to nearest £ | funds to nearest £ |
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
24/06/2025
2
| B2 Other monetary assets | - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||
| - | -- | - | -- | - | -- | |||||
| Details | Fund to which asset belongs |
Cost (optional) | Current value (optional) |
|||||||
| B3 Investment assets | - | -- | - | -- | ||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | |||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | |||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | |||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | |||||||
| Details | Fund to which asset belongs |
Cost (optional) | Current value (optional) |
|||||||
| B4 Assets retained for the | - | -- | - | -- | ||||||
| charity’s own use | - | -- | - | -- | ||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | |||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | |||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | |||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | |||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | |||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | |||||||
| - | -- | - | -- | |||||||
| Fund to which | Amount due | When due | ||||||||
| Details | liability relates | (optional) | (optional) |
CCXX R3 accounts (SS)
24/06/2025
3
| B5 Liabilities | - -- |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - -- |
|||||
| - -- |
|||||
| - -- |
|||||
| - -- |
| Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees |
Signature Jane E Robbie Jane Waller |
Print Name Jane E Robbie Jane Waller |
Date of approval |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jane E Robbie | 11/4/2025 | ||
| Jane Waller | 11/4/2025 |
CCXX R4 accounts (SS)
24/06/2025
4