Tom Hoyle is a grant maker and consultant, focused on organisational development and social finance with experience in the UK and developing economies.

He managed the corporate foundation Genesis Charitable Trust 2016-2023, leading its moves into social investment and ecologically sensitive value chains, and now advises its successor, GenEM.

Tom has an interest in startups and previously worked for Cause4 on strategy, organisational development and governance, coordinating its board training and matching service (Trustee Leadership Programme sponsored by Close Brothers/Clothworkers’ Company). He has advised other UK and overseas grantmakers on strategy and project appraisals, including in healthcare, arts, education and youth development. 

Tom started his career in small, fast growing charities (Ambitious about Autism, and Project Harar Ethiopia, which he ran 2006-2013). He studied NGO Management at Bayes Business School and is a governor of an academy primary school. 

How would you describe yourself or your work in a few words?

Versatile, strategic, interested - someone who likes to read around a subject then get to the crux of the problem/answers. Usually found providing constructive challenge or being a willing generalist.

Recent clients

Supporting GenEM Foundation's spin out, setting up the next phase of a social finance facility for artisanal miners in Africa, and (voluntarily) being a practical parent governor focused on SEND and sustainability. 

What do you like to do for fun?

Doing a lot or not much at all. I like working holidays, setting off for journeys before dawn, seeing old friends in new places - or very lazy days: lie-ins, mugs of tea, Test Match Special. If I'm reading fiction, it's a good sign.

If you had a day where you could do absolutely anything, what would you do?

It would have to be a 3-in-1 day in good company: cycling, coastline and open-air theatre.