| FREELANCE - MARKETING | FUNDRAISING | PHOTOGRAPHY |

About Me

I bring over 20 years of experience in marketing, fundraising, and photography, having worked with a diverse range of organisations, including SMEs, multinational corporations, and non-profits such as Diageo Ireland, Amnesty International, Marriage Equality, Eircom, Pavee Point, TENI, St. Vincent de Paul Ireland, and the Irish Wheelchair Association. My expertise is supported by a Master of Fine Art in Photography (Ulster University) and a Master of Business Studies in Marketing (Dublin City University), showcasing a unique combination of creative and strategic business skills.

Specialising in fundraising strategies across corporate and community sectors, I have successfully secured funding from major corporate sponsors, government departments, and community grants. I have led the development of new campaigns and implemented innovative strategies within the disability, poverty, and LGBTQI rights sectors, driving significant fundraising growth and long-term impact.

In addition, I have contributed to increasing brand visibility and customer engagement for multinational organizations, leveraging my strong creative marketing background and in-depth understanding of target audiences.

As a photographer, my work has been widely published by notable organizations, including Amnesty International, Diageo, Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI), and PinkNews, among others. My photography project Transgender Ireland was featured in the landmark publications Touching the Surface - Trans Voices in Ireland and Equality and Identity, which were commissioned by TENI to highlight the lived experiences of transgender individuals and advocate for equality. This work also contributed to a pivotal report on transphobic hate crimes in Ireland.

My photography project Transpose (2014), developed during my MFA at Ulster University, was a collaboration with Ireland’s transgender community. This work captured the efforts of key activists and allies who were instrumental in advancing transgender rights in Ireland. Transpose was published by Studio Aad as part of the Where We Are photobook series and has been extensively exhibited in Ireland and the UK. It has been featured in prominent venues such as the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), Yale University, Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA), PhotoIreland Festival, the Gallery of Photography, and Belfast Exposed Gallery.

With a proven track record of driving impactful campaigns and fostering meaningful collaborations, I bring a results-oriented approach to every project, blending creativity with strategic insight.

Contact Me

Nothing excites me more than collaborating on new and existing initiatives.  Get in touch with me today by sending a message below.  Alternatively you can contact me by phone, email or social media to arrange a meeting. I'd love to hear from you.

E almcdonnell@hotmail.com

M +353 86 801 8264

T https://twitter.com/Al_McDonnell

L https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcdonnellalison/