Who we are

The Pearce Foundation was established by Jane Robbie in 2022 to strengthen small charitable organisations across Sussex.

Jane previously held a variety of roles within the charity sector, from administration and project management to development and trusteeship. Her wealth of knowledge and experience from working at a grassroots level has given her a deep understanding of the realities of running a small charity, and provides the driving force behind The Pearce Foundation’s ‘more than money’ approach.

A woman with short, curly gray hair is wearing a red sweater and looking at the camera with her hand resting on her chin. She is sitting outdoors in a garden with lush green foliage in the background.

“I’m passionate about empowering leaders of small charities by helping them drive sustainable growth and positive change in their communities. I enjoy creating a friendly, supportive environment that encourages Partners to build on their strengths and achieve their goals. I love what I do and feel very lucky to meet so many inspirational people!”

— Jane Robbie, Founder

Our vision

A world where small charity leaders in Sussex have access to everything they need to drive sustainable, positive change for their organisation and the community.

Our mission

To provide responsive, wrap-around development support to small, fledgling charity leaders and not-for-profit organisations in Sussex.

Our values

Respect

It starts with respecting ourselves as individuals, and then as a collective at an organisational level. We listen, encourage, value and strive to bring the best out in each other.

Growth

We want our partners to grow at a pace which is right for them. We offer the support, resources and equipment needed for sustainable, responsible growth.

Connection

We all need a sense of belonging. We love getting to know our partners and those in our wider network and enjoy connecting them for mutual benefit.

Integrity

We strive to build authentic relationships that are open and honest. As an organisation, we are trustworthy and reliable.

Kindness

We treat everyone how we’d like to be treated ourselves; with generosity, warmth, compassion, good humour and fairness. Our model of giving and receiving underpins everything we do.

Our team

A man with short gray hair, a beard and mustache, wearing a light blue denim shirt over an orange T-shirt, smiling at the camera.

Rich James

Programme Development Lead

With more than a decade’s experience spanning copywriting, fundraising, marketing, public relations and organisational strategy, Rich is responsible for ensuring the Foundation’s programme of support remains relevant and impactful.

A woman wearing glasses and a dark headscarf standing against a plain white wall.

Communications Officer

Zoya Rasul

With a career in communications across journalism and the non-profit sector, specialising in digital strategy, storytelling and partnership engagement, Zoya supports the Foundation’s communications, helping to share the stories and impact of the charities it funds.