I have built my career designing, implementing, and optimizing ambitious philanthropic initiatives that have moved a quarter billion dollars in grant and investment capital.
Over the past two decades, I’ve designed grantmaking strategies at the local, regional and national levels (most recently with The Kresge Foundation, where I served in multiple roles over 10 years) on topics ranging from health to climate change, economic development, housing and food systems. I’ve earned national recognition for my ability to develop authentic, trusting relationships with a wide range of non-profit partners, and approach my work with a deep commitment to integrity and humility.
Are you looking for a strategic thought partner in developing, launching and assessing your philanthropic initiatives, including the use of multiple capital tools (e.g., grants, loans, guarantees)? I’ve developed a strong track record of collaboration within and beyond the philanthropic sector and bring the collective wisdom of this network to my work with clients.
Areas of expertise
Too often, internal barriers and conflicting agendas prevent grantmakers and donors from clarifying the impact they want to achieve, and from deploying philanthropic capital in an effective and equitable way. The good news is that most of these internal barriers can be overcome with careful guidance. I can help funders clarify their purpose, streamline their processes, identify values-aligned partners and move resources to frontline organizations best positioned to drive equitable change. I’ve developed particular expertise in:
Multi-funder collaboratives
If we can accomplish more together than alone, why is funder collaboration more difficult than it needs to be? I’ve created and led multi-funder collaboratives and can guide you through the critical design choices that will determine your impact
Initiative design, implementation
Grantmaking initiatives are often a great way to surface new approaches to long-standing problems and identify a new group of partners. I can help you embed philanthropic best practices, provide value beyond the grant dollar, and develop authentic relationships that drive systemic change
Integrated capital strategies
Grants are just one method of driving social change; mission-driven funders and donors can deploy flexible, low-cost investments that accompany grant funding in ways that can better support non-profit partners. I’ve deployed complementary forms of philanthropic capital to meet shared goals and can help you design your integrated capital strategies
Organizational Change
Changing long-standing practices can be difficult, particularly when they involve shifting organizational culture to embrace trust-based principles, commit to racial equity and share power. I’ve led changes in strategy, practice and approaches within institutional philanthropy and can help you do the same
Professional honors and certifications
21/64 Advisors use proven frameworks and facilitation skills to lead conversations about client values, visions, identity, and legacy to work with next-generational funders and families committed to making a positive impact with their resources (completed 2025)
The Just Economy Institute fellowship builds the skills of mission-driven professionals to deploy diverse forms of capital to finance enterprises that address complex social and environmental problems (completed in 2018)
The Rockwood Leadership Institute designed their “The Art of Leadership for Philanthropic Leaders” fellowship to help values-driven professionals clarify their purpose and sharpen skills necessary to advance equity and justice (completed 2016)
