Holly has been our Director, Strategic Learning, Insight and Influence since 2020.
Holly joined Paul Hamlyn Foundation in June 2020. She was formerly the Deputy Chief Executive at A New Direction where she worked for nine years, originally as Director of Partnerships and Communications.
Whilst at A New Direction Holly led the commissioning of ground breaking research into cultural education as well as building partnerships with key agencies and stakeholders.
Prior to A New Direction, Holly worked for Arts Council England for ten years as a national director leading on resource development and business growth. In this role she spearheaded initiatives for integrating the arts into public life and worked closely with central government.
Holly has a MSc in Voluntary Sector Management from Cass Business School, City University where she developed her interest in learning organisations and the use of beneficiary research within the third sector.
The Backbone Fund provides £2 million in core, long-term funding each year to organisations working across civil society — organisations whose work sustains the conditions for justice, democracy, and collective care.
Earlier this year, Philea – the Philanthropy Europe Association – held a gathering of funders from across Europe. Our Director, Strategic Learning, Insight and Influence, Holly Donagh, reflects on the main themes from the event.
