Kirsty Clark Joins Matthew Good Foundation as Executive Director

With over 15 years of experience in the voluntary sector, Kirsty is set to lead the Foundation into its next phase of growth and impact.

Kirsty Clark poses for a professional headshot with a garden in the background

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Kirsty Clark as the new Executive Director of the Matthew Good Foundation. This marks an exciting new chapter as the Foundation continues to strengthen its impact on the communities it serves.

Kirsty brings over 15 years of experience in the voluntary sector, having initially trained in Social Work. Although she began her career in statutory services, Kirsty soon recognised that her true passion lay in working directly with vulnerable groups in more flexible, community-focused roles. This led her to transition into the voluntary sector, where she has since built a career dedicated to supporting those in need.

In her most recent role with youth homelessness charity SASH, Kirsty held various positions, including Volunteer Co-ordinator, Project Manager, and Interim Chief Executive. This diverse experience has equipped her with the skills and insights to guide the Matthew Good Foundation into its next phase of growth.

Kirsty shared her enthusiasm for her new role, saying:

“My initial interest in the role of Executive Director at the Matthew Good Foundation was sparked by the opportunity to be part of an organisation that supports small charities with funding. This is because I know just how exhausting it is to be constantly seeking grants and funding opportunities. Once I’d started looking more into the Foundation and John Good Group as a whole, the values and ethos of the business sold themselves to me, and I was delighted when I was offered the opportunity to join the team.”

Kirsty Clark – Executive Director, Matthew Good Foundation

Kirsty’s plans as Executive Director include continuing to grow the programmes the Foundation already offers, increasing the support provided to small charities, and developing a new strategy to take the Foundation to the next level. This exciting new phase has been made possible by the unwavering commitment of John Good Group, the Foundation’s founder and main funder, whose dedication to its mission remains steadfast.

Adam Walsh, CEO of John Good Group, welcomed Kirsty’s appointment with enthusiasm, stating:

“I’m delighted to have Kirsty onboard and joining the Matthew Good Foundation as its new Executive Director. Her experience at SASH will be a valuable addition to the Matthew Good Foundation, and that knowledge base and skillset are sure to accelerate the next phase of the Foundation’s development. Michelle and Jen played an important role in delivering the group’s social impact, working with us to deploy the group’s funding, and helping to create a legacy we can all be proud of. I can’t wait to see what Kirsty and Jen do to take it to the next level.”

Adam Walsh – CEO, John Good Group

The Foundation’s outgoing Executive Director, Michelle Taft, will continue to concentrate on her role at the John Good Group. Under Michelle’s leadership over the last few years, the Foundation’s charitable giving has grown significantly, as she introduced many innovative new programmes connecting the John Good Group, individuals, and other businesses with small charities. We are delighted that Michelle will remain connected to the Foundation through her continuing role within John Good Group, ensuring her expertise and passion remain a driving force for positive change.

Kirsty’s appointment follows the recent addition of four new trustees to the Foundation’s board: Emma Bryden, Jamie Lewis, Jonathan Greenwood, and Niall McCann. Their diverse expertise – spanning the voluntary sector, social care, fundraising, and conservation – will play an important role alongside Kirsty in supporting the Foundation’s mission and future strategy.

As Kirsty steps into her role, we look forward to a future filled with growth, innovation, and continued impact for the Matthew Good Foundation and the small non-profits it champions.

Click to read more about the Foundation team