Matthew Good Foundation appoints new trustees to strengthen mission

Four new appointees bring diverse expertise and renewed vision to the Foundation’s board as it builds on its mission to amplify small non-profits.

Debbie looks out across the Yorkshire Dales from the top of a hill with joy.

The new Matthew Good Foundation Board of Trustees and Executive Director at Quarry House, the John Good Group Head office where the Foundation is based. Left to right: Jonathan Greenwood, Jamie Lewis, Michelle Taft, Tim Good, Niall McCann, Kevin Harrison, Emma Bryden.

The Matthew Good Foundation has been helping businesses and their employees nurture meaningful connections with charities since its founding in 2011. In recent years, it has undergone significant growth due to its founder and main funder, the John Good Group, solidifying its long-term funding commitments to the charity.

In 2022 the Foundation launched a new strategy, aiming to amplify the impact of small charities and non-profits. To help lead this mission, they have appointed four new trustees with an extremely diverse experience across the private, public and VCSE sectors.

Emma Bryden is a customer and market intelligence consultant at Royal London. She has experience in the charity and environmental sectors through voluntary roles in Scotland’s Young People’s Forest panel, Nature Scot’s Future Routes Fund and Community Resilience projects. Emma is the youngest member of the board, and her familial connection to the Good family and the John Good Group will help ensure that the spirit of the Foundation continues long into the future.

Jamie Lewis is an active contributor to the charitable sector in Hull and East Yorkshire. Motivated by his own experiences in the care system, he started his career in social care and is currently the CEO of HEY Smile Foundation. Jamie has also held several other appointments locally, including Chair of Pride in Hull, Chair of City of Hull Street Angels, and Trustee of Fitmums and Friends. Jamie’s experience with large funding mechanisms will help the Foundation grow its funding streams and grant-making programs.

Jonathan Greenwood is Trusts and Foundations Manager at the University of Hull. He is also Secretary at the Ferens Education Trust, Head of Grants for Two Churches One Town in Beverley, and has been a Trustee at Tigers4Ever and at RSPCA Hull & East Riding. Jonathan’s vast experience in fundraising will prove invaluable in informing the Foundation about small charities’ experiences in the funding environment, ensuring support is provided in meaningful ways.

Niall McCann is a National Geographic Explorer, conservationist, and broadcaster focused on humankind’s relationship with nature. He is a Director for National Park Rescue, a member of the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Trustee of the Wallacea Trust and the Ecoflix Foundation, and Ambassador for the British Inspiration Trust, Smash Life and Millimetres2Mountains Foundation. A seasoned adventurer, Niall has rowed the Atlantic, skied Greenland, and cycled the Himalayas. Niall is not only an experienced VCSE leader but also an expert in film production, which will be incredibly useful as the Foundation expands its offerings with funder-plus models that include promotional films for small non-profits.

Remaining on the existing board of trustees are Kevin Harrison, a director within the John Good Group, who has been with the Foundation since it was created in 2011, and Chairman and Founder Tim Good. Commenting on the appointments, Tim Good said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Emma, Jamie, Jonathan, and Niall to our board. Their diverse experiences and deep commitment to the charitable sector will be invaluable as we continue to grow and support more small charities and non-profits. Together, we can ensure we leave the world a better place than we found it.”

Tim Good – Chairman, Matthew Good Foundation

Michelle Taft is Executive Director of the Matthew Good Foundation and Non-executive Director at the John Good Group. Having led the appointment of the new trustees, she explained the reason for making the appointments.

“I am delighted that Emma, Jamie, Jonathan and Niall have joined our team, each bringing unique skills and experiences that will be invaluable to the Matthew Good Foundation as we continue to grow and deepen our impact. Our new trustee board will be instrumental in helping us maximise our impact on small charities while expanding connections between the businesses and small nonprofits we support.”

Michelle Taft – Executive Director, Matthew Good Foundation

With the addition of these dynamic new trustees, the Matthew Good Foundation is well-positioned to expand its reach and deepen its impact. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will strengthen the Foundation’s efforts to support and uplift small non-profits. The Matthew Good Foundation looks forward to continuing its mission with renewed energy and commitment, making an even greater difference in the community.

Click to read more about the Foundation team