About Josie Armitage
I have over 20 years’ background in skills and training working for a variety of sector and government-related organisations. I spent the last two years of that setting up and managing funding programmes so I understand what funders are looking for and how important it is to meet their priorities and eligibility criteria. I have also spent time over the last six years assessing grant funding applications for a range of funders.
I love to be part of a client’s journey to support them to help people. I have worked with some clients from their early set up days, supporting them to access funding to develop their services and get going; supported others to grow as an organisation; supported others to survive during hard times such as Covid-19 and now the cost of living increases. I also support clients for shorter periods of time to secure funding for specific purposes including building development; helping them until they reach a period of growth and have enough funding to enable senior staff to work full time and do this work themselves.
I love helping people and it’s so rewarding when a funding application is successful and I know that I have been part of something that will benefit people. I like to work with people and organisations whose work and aspirations I value, work with them longer term so I can build a trusted relationship with them and take time to fully understand them and their organisations. I have been described as a ‘lifeline’ by one client and ‘an integral part of the team’ by another.
I feel lucky to be doing something I love and having a support network of people who recommend me to people looking for information and support with grant funding.
In my leisure time, I have a number of voluntary roles. I support a couple of small charities pro bono with their fundraising and am a community reporter for our local West Leeds Dispatch, writing articles on the interesting and inspiring activities local people are doing. I have been a judge for the last two years for the Social Enterprise Index and the Inspiring Women Changemakers Awards. I was also nominated for an award in the latter in 2019.
I enjoy spending time with my partner, family and friends. I love going to concerts and the theatre, reading and attempting to keep fit.