Sophie Tobin and Carla Belle join WMFN Board of Trustees
West Midlands Funders Network (WMFN) is delighted to announce the appointment of two outstanding new trustees, Sophie Tobin and Carla Belle, to our Board. Their diverse expertise and deep commitment to community development will play a pivotal role in shaping our work and ensuring funders across the region have the tools and insights they need to make a lasting difference.
For over 40 years, WMFN has supported funders in the West Midlands to deliver meaningful impact by fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building. As the region evolves, so does our commitment to empowering funders to address the complex needs of our diverse communities. Sophie and Carla’s appointments come at a crucial time, strengthening our ability to champion equitable and effective funding practices.
About Sophie Tobin
Sophie Tobin brings over 26 years of experience in the sports sector, with a career spanning leadership roles in netball, cycling, and workforce development. Currently serving as the West Midlands Regional Manager at Sported, Sophie has worked with Sport England on the strategic development of volunteers and community engagement initiatives. Her global perspective, shaped by early career experiences introducing netball to China, complements her unwavering dedication to supporting communities here in the West Midlands.
Sophie is no stranger to WMFN, serving as Chair of the National Funders Sub-group under our umbrella. Her passion for helping organisations thrive aligns seamlessly with WMFN’s mission: to ensure that funding, guidance, and support are accessible to all who need it.
Sophie shared her vision for the role, saying: "I believe in the power of collaboration to unlock the potential of every community. We all need to work together to make sure everyone in the West Midlands can access the resources they need to be their best. Working with WMFN is a crucial aspect of my role. Their ability to connect with other funders and the support they provide is vital. The Network facilitates this by offering opportunities to engage with other funders, share good practice, and challenge ourselves to consider important areas of development—not just for the present, but for the future as well.”
L: Sophie Tobin and R: Carla Belle
About Carla Belle
Joining Sophie is Carla Belle, a dedicated community advocate with nearly 20 years of experience in fostering resilient communities and building effective partnerships. In her current role as Commissioning Manager in the Children and Families Directorate at Birmingham City Council, Carla oversees initiatives that empower local communities and address systemic challenges. Her previous work as a Community Development and Support Worker honed her expertise in grant-making, stakeholder engagement, and project management.
Carla’s career highlights include leading neighborhood-based initiatives, managing large-scale community events, and driving citizen-led solutions through consultation and collaboration. With her deep knowledge of the Birmingham and West Midlands landscape, Carla is poised to bring invaluable insights to WMFN’s Board.
Carla expressed her excitement about joining the Board: "The West Midlands is rich in diversity and resilience. I am passionate about ensuring communities have the support they need to thrive, and I look forward to contributing to WMFN’s vision for equitable and impactful funding."
Strengthening Our Mission
Sophie and Carla’s combined expertise and leadership will enhance WMFN’s efforts to serve as the region’s leading cross-sector membership network for funders. From independent trusts and foundations to corporate investors and public sector bodies, our members work together to tackle challenges and invest in the potential of local people and initiatives.
Their appointments underscore WMFN’s commitment to amplifying collaboration and driving progress. With their guidance, we will continue to support our members in making the West Midlands a place where funding achieves maximum impact.
