We are delighted to announce that our Chief Executive, Tina Costello has received an OBE for services to charity and voluntary organisations across the West Midlands and Warwickshire in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.
A leading figure in the Third Sector in the Midlands for more than a quarter of a century, Tina has overseen around £60 million of investment benefiting local people and communities.
Tina, who is originally from Birmingham and now lives in Coventry and became the chief executive of the Foundation in 2013, said:
“It is an incredible honour to be awarded an OBE for my service to charities and the voluntary sector across West Midlands and Warwickshire.
“Everyday it continues to be a genuine privilege to work for the benefit of communities in the region where I grew up and still live. I am overwhelmed at receiving such prestigious recognition for leading a charity that I love and truly believe in.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Community Foundation for the opportunities it has given me, the donors I have had the pleasure of working with, the many colleagues I have shared my journey with and trustees who have supported my leadership. But most of all, a special thank you to the voluntary and community sector I’m proud to work alongside, and to champion every day.”
Tina joined the Heart of England Community Foundation in 2006 as deputy director for grant making before moving into the role as chief executive seven years later, having previously served as head of awards for all across the West Midlands at the Big Lottery Fund, which became the National Lottery Community Fund.
In her 11 years as chief executive, Tina has transformed the Heart of England Community Foundation – expanding it from a charity that served Coventry and Warwickshire to a truly regional organisation that supports good causes in every corner of the West Midlands and Warwickshire.
The Foundation now has a portfolio of multi-million pound partnerships and funds with local authorities, businesses of all sizes and sectors, private individuals and family philanthropists – all with the aim of supporting good causes, charities, not-for-profit organisations and local communities across the region.
Described by colleagues as authentic, committed and inspirational, Tina’s passion for supporting grassroots organisations where just a small amount of funding can make a real difference has driven her and the foundation to develop and grow.
In her time as chief executive, the Heart of England Community Foundation’s endowment – which is made up of many gifts and donations – has increased from £2 million to over £20 million, this money serves as a permanent legacy for communities to draw down funds in years to come. Under Tina’s direction, the foundation has awarded over £40.6 million since 2013, through almost 10,000 grants and donations. The Foundation now regularly awards close to £3 million each year working with its supporters.
Over the course of her career, Tina, who is a fervent advocate of the third sector, has overseen grant making of approximately £60 million to benefit local communities across the Midlands including close to £12 million in the last five months from the legacy of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games through the Inclusive Communities Fund.
Chris West, Chair of Trustees at the Community Foundation said:
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees and everyone associated with the Heart of England Community Foundation, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Tina on receiving an OBE for her service to charity and voluntary organisations.
“Anyone who knows and has worked with Tina will have seen her tireless dedication, passion, and visionary leadership. She has transformed our Foundation and significantly impacted countless lives across the West Midlands and Warwickshire.
“Today’s recognition is a testament to her efforts and we are all immensely proud of Tina and look forward to her continued leadership and inspiration.”
Heart of England Community Foundation remains committed to supporting and championing local communities, charities, and voluntary organisations. With a portfolio of partnerships and an ever-growing endowment, the Foundation is poised to continue its mission – working towards a fairer, happier and healthier Midlands. Tina’s recognition highlights the impact of dedicated leadership and reinforces the Foundation’s role as a force for good in the region.
For more information about our work and how you can get involved, please visit our website heartofenglandcf.co.uk
For media enquiries and further information
PLMR Advent Communications: Lee Corden / Alex Grantham:
lcorden@advent-communications.co.uk
agrantham@advent-communications.co.uk
Ryan Boyce, Senior Manager: Communications – Heart of England Community Foundation