Audrey Bounaix, Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy Manager, OPPA

I joined the University of York’s Office of Philanthropy in 2022. I am dedicated to raising funds from foundations and corporations for research projects within the Faculty of Science, which involves aligning suitable projects with philanthropic opportunities. My expertise in fundraising for higher education has been shaped by a French-UK educational background (École du Louvre, SOAS, ESCP) and fundraising experience in diverse environments, including the French National Institute for computer science and applied mathematics, a consulting fundraising agency, and NGOs.

email: audrey.bounaix@york.ac.uk

Our 60-second interview with Audrey:

Could you please tell us what work you do in the field of mental health?

As Philanthropy Manager, I support the new Institute of Mental Health Research at York (IMRY) by identifying new donor prospects to ensure the institute’s perpetuity. This includes matching philanthropic opportunities with research projects,guiding academics through funders guidelines, proofreading applications and cultivating relationships with established donors (stewardship). Overall, I act as a facilitator between the donors and the applicants.

What do you find most rewarding and inspiring in this work?

The most fulfilling part of my work is witnessing the transformative impact of donations on students’ lives and mental health research. Seeing the university’s commitment to addressing the full spectrum of mental health issues is also quite inspiring. This suggests that there could be an area of research suited for each type of donor, which is ideal given that there is no simple solution to address mental disorders.

Philanthropy has the power to unite people, making it an invaluable tool when the collective effort of every segment of society is required to tackle mental health effectively. Facilitating relationships between people who might never have met otherwise, in order to bring new ideas, is a great aspect of the job.

What is the most challenging or complicated aspect of this work?

One of the most challenging aspects of this work is securing buy-in within a field that has attracted increasing attention lately. This is particularly true when pitching to donors, as it necessitates differentiating our approach as an institution in a saturated space. 
On a personal level, keeping abreast in a field in constant evolution can be difficult. The inherent multidisciplinary nature of mental health is both a strength and a challenge; it presents a multitude of perspectives yet also requires time to thoroughly engage with each area of study.

What impact do you hope your work is having - or can potentially have?

As a fundraiser, I hope that I can help researchers in presenting their findings in a simple and accessible way. The capacity to convey complex ideas to a general public is essential for securing philanthropic funding and showcasing the wide-reaching impact of research work. As a non-native speaker, I also hope that my different perspective on things can provide valuable insights.

Could you share with us one piece of advice that you follow for your own mental health?

‘’Overthinking is the biggest waste of human energy. Trust yourself, make a decision, and gain more experience. There is no such thing as perfect. You cannot think your way into perfection, just take action.’’ I find these words from Steve Bartlett very useful in my daily life. All the inspirational quotes on his LinkedIn can boost anyone’s confidence.