- Organisation: London Community Foundation
- Role: Director of Development
- Lead Consultant: Rhiannon Mehta
- Date of Appointment: January 2026
About
London Community Foundation (LCF) are a localised foundation that provides key unrestricted and restricted funding to grassroots organisations across London. The Foundation focuses on funding organisations supporting those most disadvantaged within London and has awarded over £127 million in grants to achieve this mission.
The Brief
London Community Foundation needed a new Director of Development and an interim solution as the permanent recruitment was occurring. With some financial difficulties in the last two years, this role required a strategic leader who could also build key relationships with partners and donors to increase both the endowment funds and unrestricted income at LCF. Prospectus supported in placing both an interim solution and a permanent Director of Development.
Our Approach
The Director of Development was a role that required both strategic leadership and direct delivery, and we worked in close partnership with LCF to define the success profile – what ‘excellent’ looked like in year one, and where the role needed to be most hands-on.
Through a targeted search and outreach campaign, with tailored messaging, we attracted senior, values-led fundraising leaders motivated by LCF’s mission and London-wide impact.
A structured, insight-led process through shortlisting and interview stages ensured consistent assessment against the agreed criteria and a strong candidate experience.
The Outcome
We were able to appoint Sheila Lutchanah into this senior appointment. Sheila brought significant senior leadership experience in high-value fundraising and partnerships, including leadership roles at The Children’s Trust. LCF secured a leader with the strategic capability to shape the income function and the credibility to deepen key donor relationships—supporting LCF’s ambition to grow investment into London’s communities.
Hiring your next senior fundraising leader is a pivotal moment for your organisation, and Prospectus’ Fundraising Team is a trusted partner. We support purpose-led organisations to appoint outstanding leaders across fundraising and income generation, running insight-led searches that balance pace, rigour and candidate care. Get in touch to discuss your upcoming appointment in confidence.