Clare Woodcraft is an experienced advisor on philanthropy, known for her linguistic skills and deep cultural understanding of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. A fluent Arabist with a BA in Modern Languages (Arabic and French) from Salford University and an MSc in Development from the London School of Economics, Clare has spent over 20 years living and working in the MENA region, applying her language proficiency to foster meaningful connections and drive social impact.

Her passion for linguistics and regional expertise has allowed her to navigate complex cultural landscapes, uniting organizations and communities to deliver transformative change. As Chair of the Arab Foundations Forum, she brought together third-sector organizations across the Arab world, leveraging her knowledge of the region's languages and cultures to enhance collaborative efforts for socio-economic progress.

Clare’s career is defined by her ability to bridge global philanthropy with localized impact. From leading the transition to venture philanthropy at Emirates Foundation to establishing the Centre for Strategic Philanthropy at Cambridge University, she has worked to champion more culturally relevant and impactful models of philanthropy.

Her work as an advisor, educator, and board member for organizations like Foundation CHANEL and WINGS (a global philanthropy network) reflects her dedication to advancing philanthropy that is informed, inclusive, and deeply rooted in local context. Clare currently serves as an independent impact advisor and as the Executive Director of the Philanthropy Chair at ESSEC University, Paris, France. She is also the co-editor of the book Reimagining Philanthropy in the Global South, which explores how philanthropy can be redefined to better address the unique challenges and opportunities in emerging markets. Clare sits on the Advisory Board of the Cambridge Partnership for Education and is a Fellow of the Cambridge Judge Business School where she continues to research and write about the topic of strategic philanthropy.