The Fore Team

Mary Rose has been a pioneer in the grant making space since 2012.  She founded The Fore in 2017 after a four year pilot run under the umbrella of The Bulldog Trust.  Until 2022 she ran The Bulldog Trust and its public programmes at Two Temple Place alongside The Fore.  Previously she worked within politics and the media. She is a Trustee of INTBAU and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. In 2018 she was named as one of the Pioneers Post’s 100 Women In Social Enterprise. From 2020-2022 she served as a Commissioner on the Law Family Commission on Civil Society.

Francis has considerable experience working in both the private and social sectors. Before joining The Fore, Francis managed the delivery of a programme worth over £45 million that sought to support communities improve their neighbourhoods and quality of life. Francis oversees the delivery and impact monitoring of The Fore’s support programmes, including the grant, workshop and training elements. Francis also volunteers as a grant panelist at a charity that supports refugees into employment.

After a brief stint as a management consultant, Kerry worked in publishing, as a literary agent, for 20 years, before moving into the third sector. She previously worked at Hatch, a charity that supports underrepresented entrepreneurs to launch businesses. At The Fore Kerry works with current and potential funding partners to grow income to support our mission of turbocharging exceptional small charities. She is a Trustee of the Family Volunteering Club and remains an avid reader.

Chimdia is responsible for helping to build our corporate and funding partnerships, to ensure we can work with as many innovative charities as possible. She has a number of years experience in stakeholder engagement across a range of sectors. Prior to joining The Fore, Chimdia worked at Future Frontiers, building strong relationships with corporate partners to help support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to fulfill their potential.

Alex has several years’ experience in administration, project management and running successful events. She was Visitor Services Manager for exhibitions at Two Temple Place, responsible for welcoming thousands of guests.  She then went to the Museum of London, to manage their extensive volunteering programme. A change in direction led her into proofreading which she now does freelance, alongside her part-time role as Executive Assistant and Special Projects Manager at The Fore. 

Kelly is working closely with the Head of Programmes and Impact, assisting to deliver our funding rounds and curate The Fore’s wraparound support programmes. Having studied Psychology at undergraduate level and volunteered with children’s charities, Kelly is committed to supporting applicants and helping to nurture our community of portfolio charities.

Elspeth is working closely with the Partnerships Manager, assisting to build our corporate and fundraising partnerships, and managing our pro bono programme. Elspeth studied Business Management at Leeds University. She previously worked in a global recruitment firm, and is now keen on exploring the social side of business. She currently volunteers at a social enterprise that connects refugees and local people through the love of food.

Emilie supports the Partnerships team on various tasks, including the development of our Sustainability and Environment Fund and supporting with funding round. Emilie has a Master’s in International Sustainability Management and is passionate about the environment and making an impact. She previously worked for a small charity, and now wants to help other charities access the funds they need to grow.

Maria was The Fore’s Programme Manager from 2020 to 2022. She established and currently runs impact measurement courses for our portfolio charities – ‘Introduction to Impact’ and ‘Demonstrating Impact: Practice & Innovation’ – and supports them with additional 1:1 evaluation support. She previously worked in grants management and research and evaluation at Social Investment Business, as well as having worked for small charities such as Brighton Oasis Project. Maria now pursues a career in the arts. She is Co-Director of NDP Circus, Artistic Director of Company Scheherazade and produces the South Hams Festival. She works as a Choreographer, Director and Movement Director with organisations such as the Royal Shakespeare Company. She also advises arts organisations on fundraising and impact measurement.

Robert is working closely with our Head of Programmes & Impact and our Programme Officer, supporting them to deliver our funding rounds and wraparound support programmes. Robert has an extensive background in hospitality, founding his own business in 2020. He is also the co-founder of Dinner on the Hill, a community initiative that provides a free restaurant experience to families in Lewisham. He is passionate about small charities, and wants to help them gain access to the funding and knowledge they need to succeed.