Meet the team

Sarah Watson

Sarah Watson
Development and Programme Manager

Sarah is an experienced grants professional, having managed funding programmes in a variety of public and voluntary sector settings.

She is the first point of contact for Hackney Giving, and will be happy to talk to you about the programme and how it works.

Sarah is a Hackney resident and loves that her job supports communities in the area where she lives.

Outside work, you might spot Sarah out running, at live music events or in fabric shops hunting for a bargain.

sarah@hackneygiving.org.uk

07494 800727

Matt Bray

Matt Bray
Director of Communications and VCS Support

Matt has worked in the non-profit sector for 20 years in a range of creative and management roles.

He has worked in Hackney for the past decade and has a detailed understanding of the borough and of local community groups and charities.

In addition to lots of hands-on experience, Matt has an MA in Global Society and Media Communication.

In his spare time Matt enjoys playing tennis, cycling up mountains and watching dance productions.

matt@hackneygiving.org.uk

07983 169961

Fatou Gassama
Community Giving and Partnerships Coordinator

Fatou has lived in many parts of Hackney and is well-connected with local community organisations. 

She is a local activist and is the chair of the Dalston Community Panel, working with the police.

In her spare time, Fatou enjoys cycling and boxing.

info@hackneygiving.org.uk

Mark Drinkwater
Communications Coordinator

Mark has worked on digital communications for charities for over 20 years.

In recent years he has worked on a number of local initiatives, including Hackney iCare and Connect Hackney.

Outside of work, he enjoys cycling and volunteers for a community theatre company.

Email Mark