Dioraphte has announced that its Managing Director, Jasmijn Melse, will step down from her role this autumn after five years of leadership. The Board and team expressed their appreciation for her contributions and noted that, while they regret seeing her leave, they fully respect her decision and understand her desire for a new chapter.

Under Melse’s leadership, Dioraphte further professionalized its organization while maintaining the foundation’s characteristic culture of trust, engagement, innovation, and openness to new ideas. Within the fund’s Social Initiatives in Africa portfolio, the localization agenda was further advanced and the strategic direction deepened. In the area of Science and Research, Dioraphte strengthened its approach by ensuring that research calls align more closely with the needs of the field and researchers themselves, including through the introduction of peer review processes.

At the same time, Dioraphte expanded and strengthened its advisory capacity. The organization now has dedicated advisors across its portfolios, including Social Initiatives in the Netherlands, Performing Arts, Cultural Heritage, and its sharpened Africa portfolio. According to Dioraphte, these advisors play a key role in maintaining the quality of decision-making, challenging the organization to continue learning, and refining its strategy over time.

The organization also highlighted further developments in its investment policy and operational processes, which have been made more efficient and effective in recent years. Recently, Diorapthe publised a new vision on the role of philanthropy, called “Wat deze tijd vraagt”.

Reflecting on her departure, Melse stated:

Sahar Yadegari, interim Chair of the Board, emphasized the broader impact of Melse’s leadership on the philanthropic sector:

Dioraphte noted that the Board appreciates Melse sharing her decision well in advance, allowing sufficient time for a careful transition and succession process. Recruitment for a new Managing Director will begin shortly, with the expectation that a successor will join the organization by September 1. Melse will formally conclude her role on October 1.