Clare McKay

Clare is our Funding Manager, who ensures that we have all the funding we need to provide our services for young people in and around Ashington. Before joining YMCA Northumberland, Clare spent most of her adult life working in the voluntary sector, primarily in project management roles. This background has given her a deep understanding of nonprofit operations and a strong passion for making a difference, which she now brings to her role at YMCA Northumberland. Clare has been with YMCA Northumberland for several years now, during the course she has taken on a couple of different roles.

Clare’s area of expertise is having a comprehensive understanding of how the entire charity operates and how all its different components work together. With a strong background in project management, she considers herself as a good all-rounder and can adapt to various challenges and responsibilities. If Clare ever encounters something unfamiliar, she is proactive in learning and finding a solution for the best outcome.

Clare brings a range of valuable skills to the team, including thoroughness, curiosity, a good sense of humour and a spreadsheet obsession. Clare’s attention to detail ensures that tasks are efficiently completed, whilst her curiosity helps her continuously learn and gain opportunities for YMCA Northumberland. Her sense of humour helps create a positive work environment and makes challenges easier as a team. 

One thing Clare is most proud about is our ability to maintain and gradually expand our services to young people, despite being in an increasingly challenging funding environment. It is incredibly rewarding knowing that we are able to sustain and grow our support for young people, due to Clare’s relationship building with funders.

In Clare’s free time, she likes to unwind by ‘vegging out’ on the sofa and watching a movie. Horror and Sci-Fi are her favourite go-to’s. She also has a love for listening to music and getting her hands dirty with some DIY or decorating projects. Something that might surprise people about Clare is that, in another life, she would have loved to be a carpenter!

Clare is inspired by people who stick their neck out and take a stand against injustices in the world. It takes immense courage and determination to speak up and fight for what’s right, especially when facing adversity. I admire those who use their voice to create a positive change

Her favourite things about being part of YMCA Northumberland are knowing that our work genuinely makes a difference in the lives of young people and being part of such a lovely team. Clare finds it  incredibly rewarding when she sees the positive impact our services have in helping young people feel supported and empowered, as well as working along-side a passionate, dedicated team.

YMCA Northumberland