Our Supporters: Park Lane Foundation

We recently caught up with Hanif Malik OBE, Foundation Director at Park Lane Foundation and long-term Leeds Community Foundation supporter. Read our interview… 

How have you been involved with Leeds Community Foundation? 

I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Leeds Community Foundation for many years, as a grant recipient, a trustee and now in my role at Park Lane Foundation as a supporter. 

In fact I met Sally Anne Greenfield the initial CEO back in 2005, at the beginning of the Foundation’s journey. 

 

Why is it important to you to support local communities? 

Supporting local communities is at the heart of who I am and what the Park Lane Foundation stands for. Through my various roles I’ve seen first-hand how inequality can limit aspiration and opportunity. But I’ve also witnessed the incredible resilience, talent, and generosity within our communities, especially those who often go unheard.

When we invest in people locally, we strengthen communities and help build the social fabric of the entire city.  

 

What do you love about Leeds? 

I was born here and have been a lifelong resident so I’m somewhat biased but Leeds is a city with heart. It’s diverse, welcoming, and has a sense of community. Despite the economic challenges we all face Leeds is also a city with big ambitions and a real commitment to making our communities more equitable. 

We just need to make sure our football club stays in the Premiership! 

 

What advice would you give to people who are thinking about supporting Leeds Community Foundation? 

My advice is simple: do it.

Leeds Community Foundation has a unique understanding of the city’s needs and the organisations that are doing transformational work at the grassroots level.

Whether you’re an individual, a business, or a foundation, your support goes directly to where it is most needed and where it will have a real, measurable impact.
You don’t need to start big, every contribution helps, and every partnership strengthens the brilliant work they do. 

 

If you want to find out how you could support Leeds Community Foundation and help make a fairer Leeds for everyone, take a look at your giving options.