Abdou Sidibe

Director of Grants

Abdou is a father of four who grew up in France. His career path has been shaped by his experiences navigating racism and discrimination, and he has dedicated the last 20 years of his professional career to empowering the most marginalised communities in our society.

Abdou joined PHF in September 2022 from The National Lottery Community Fund where he was Deputy Director of Partnerships. He led the development of the Fund’s approach to embedding innovative national and placed-based partnerships across England. Prior to this, he spent three and half years as Head of Regional Funding in Yorkshire and Humber. Abdou also played a significant role in driving the organisation’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion agenda.

Before joining The National Lottery Community Fund, Abdou worked in the voluntary sector for over 15 years, including 12 years at the Children’s Society where he led services to support refugee and asylum-seeking children, young people and their families, victims of domestic abuse, sexual exploitation and trafficking as well as disabled young people.

He was also a trustee director at PAFRAS (Positive Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers) for five years, an organisation supporting destitute asylum seekers in Leeds.

Abdou is currently a member of the steering committee at the Funders for Race Equality Alliance, working alongside dedicated individuals and funders wo are committed to transforming our approach to philanthropy through a lens of racial justice and equity.