Maritime Charity Column: building maritime grant funding ecosystems, by Temi Binitie, new business development director at The Seafarers' Charity

Temi Binitie discusses her aspirations as the new business development director for The Seafarers' Charity. She will be developing and implementing a fundraising strategy to develop new income streams for the maritime welfare charities' grant funder

MARITIME CHARITY COLUMN

The Seafarers' Charity's legacy spans over a century, and it has been dedicated to serving the maritime community since the era of King George V in the UK. Our commitment remains steadfast, using our influential voice to drive positive change, ensuring that a career at sea is not only safe but also fulfilling and free from hardship.

As an independent grant funder, we've built a supportive ecosystem by funding a diverse range of maritime welfare partners. From caring for seafarers' children in hospitals to aiding retired mariners and assisting seafarers impacted by violence, abuse, harassment and other challenges at sea.

In 2023 we awarded 67 grants, surpassing £2 million in funding; this benefited 50 organisations, including 11 first-time fund recipients. As the business development director at The Seafarers' Charity, my aspirations for 2024 are heartfelt:

• to foster collaborations and cultivate long-term industry partnerships to ensure seafarers and their families not only survive but thrive.
• to fundraise: by filling spaces for the London Marathon 2024 and assembling teams to conquer the 24 Peaks in the Lake District
• to honour the dedication of those who currently or have previously worked at sea

I am genuinely excited to commence this transformative journey with The Seafarers' Charity. Together, let's make waves of positive change for those who brave the seas.

The Maritime Charity Column is a regular feature in the Nautilus Telegraph. Submissions are invited from a range of organisations by the Telegraph editor.