Benefact Trust Director steps up as Chair of Christian Funders’ Forum
We’re excited to share that, as of December 2025, Benefact Trust Director Helen Gray has taken on the role as Chair of the Christian Funders’ Forum (CFF). As Chair, Helen will lead the vibrant network of over 40 Christian grant-makers, encouraging greater collaboration in the sector and strengthening the impact of Christian funding.
Helen will be following in the footsteps of Suzannah O’Brien from The Bishop Radford Trust, who has served as Chair of the CFF for the last three years. Suzannah’s outstanding leadership has been instrumental in shaping the Forum into the thriving community of grant-making trusts and foundations it is today.
Helen Gray, new Chair of the CFF and Benefact Trust Director, said: “On behalf of the CFF, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Suzannah for her immense dedication and vision. I’m deeply grateful for her contribution, wisdom, and experience. Under her leadership, our community of grant-makers has grown in both volume and impact.
“Looking ahead, I’m excited to see the Forum continue to flourish – expanding our reach, deepening our connections, and inspiring generosity that transforms communities.”
About Helen Gray, Benefact Trust Director
Helen Gray has led Benefact Trust for the last two and half years, driving significant growth in funding and impact. In 2024, Benefact Trust awarded a record £25.5m to churches and Christian charities. Through programmes like our Community Impact Grants, we are expected to have reached over five million people with essential support.
Before her role at the Trust, Helen gained over 15 years’ experience in the charity sector, having worked for both St Alban’s Cathedral - heading up operations - and more recently working as Director for Hertfordshire Community Foundation. Helen’s experience and passion for creating positive social change through funding makes her the perfect fit to lead the CFF into its next chapter.
What is the Christian Funders’ Forum?
The CFF was formed in 2014 by a group of Christian grant-makers. At its core, the CFF exists to encourage collaboration, mutual support, and shared learning so that Christian funding can be as effective and transformative as possible. Over the years, it has developed into a dynamic network that not only champions each other's giving but works together to maximise its impact in society. This is evident through campaigns such as the Big Give Christmas Challenge, where CFF members have united to help charities raise over £3.5m over the past five years.
Why this matters for Benefact Trust
Helen Gray’s appointment to Chair of the CFF reflects Benefact Trust’s commitment to greater collaboration within the Christian charity sector. Helen hopes to expand on this collaborative approach within the Christian Funders’ Forum. She recognises that by working together, we can amplify our collective impact and bring lasting change to communities.
Join us in congratulating Helen as she embarks on this exciting new position. We look forward to supporting Helen’s vision for the future of the Christian Funders’ Forum.