Joseph Howes is an expert on poverty, its effects and the reasons for its increase. Joe has nearly two decades of fundraising experience and a passion for supporting children, young people and their families in the UK to build better futures. He joins Buttle UK from youth homelessness charity Depaul UK, where he spent five years as Executive Director of Fundraising, Development and Communications. With responsibility for all income generation at the charity, Joe has achieved rapid growth during that time.
Previously, Joe has held senior roles at Action for Children and The Prince’s Trust. He is also Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees at Rainforest Foundation, which gives him the chance to support another cause that has always been close to his heart.
Last year, Buttle UK , gave out 13,500 grants totalling almost £4.6m – the most in a single year to date – and it has also seen its major fundraising initiative, the Chances for Children Campaign, pass the £3m mark. These grants, averaging £1,500 in value, are designed to meet the multiple needs of vulnerable children and young people by funding a holistic package of support. The grants are unique in the social care sector, and independent evaluation has found that the average public expenditure expected to be saved for each grant of £1,500 is £8,000.
Joseph Howes said: “Helping children and young people facing poverty and crisis has never been more important and Buttle UK has a rich history in ensuring that they get the right support. I am delighted to be joining Buttle UK and am looking forward to building on the incredible work that’s already been done. I’m particularly excited to work with the organisation’s amazing trustees, staff and partners to provide grants that change lives and ensure we do even more to help vulnerable children and young people reach their potential.”
Buttle UK was established in 1953 following the death of Frank Buttle, an East End clergyman, who raised nearly £1m to help launch children out of poverty. Since then, the money has been re-invested and multiplied countless times and ways. As the charity has grown, so has its capacity to make positive change.
You can find out more about Buttle UK and its work by visiting http://www.buttleuk.org