We are the next era of leadership—bold, visionary, and equity-driven.
At Future Funders, we are not just imagining a new era of philanthropy—we are building it alongside industry pioneers who share our commitment to equity, innovation, and transformational change.
Our Core
Values
Visionary Leadership
We don’t follow outdated models—we design what’s next. We believe in reimagining philanthropy from the ground up. Leadership should reflect the richness of our communities and be bold enough to challenge norms, disrupt inequity, and create lasting impact.
RadicaL Innovation
Transformative change requires bold thinking and action. We push beyond traditional paradigms, designing fresh, equity-driven approaches that shift power, redistribute resources, and unlock new possibilities for BIPOC leaders to thrive.
EQUITY BY DESIGN
Equity isn’t an afterthought—it’s the foundation for a future for all. We believe that true inclusion means co-creating systems where BIPOC leaders don’t just have a seat at the table—they help build the table itself. Our work ensures that leadership and funding structures are intentionally designed for justice, not just retrofitted for diversity.
Collective Power
Communities, not individuals, create lasting change. We are not just developing leaders—we are building a network of changemakers who support, challenge, and inspire each other to push philanthropy beyond words into action. Change happens when we move together with intention, strategy, and collective force.
INTRODUCING THE FOUNDERS TABLE
we believe that leadership isn’t inherited—it’s built.
Philanthropy wasn’t built for equity—but we’re here to rewrite the rules. The Founders Table is more than an advisory board—it’s a force for change. A collective of bold leaders, funders, and changemakers, we’re dismantling barriers, shifting power, and designing a new era of philanthropy.
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Trustee, Grunin Foundation
Executive Director, Collaboration for Talent, Inc.
Tomas Alvarez III is a nationally recognized social entrepreneur, Ashoka Fellow, and former CNN Hero with a proven track record of launching and scaling initiatives that center racial justice and systems transformation. Currently pursuing his doctorate at USC’s Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Tomas focuses his research on race-based funding disparities and systems change in philanthropy. He is also the Executive Director of Collaboration for Talent, Inc., where he leads efforts to bridge diverse talent with opportunity for social good. Tomas brings deep lived experience, thought leadership, and a bold vision for a more inclusive philanthropic future.
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Director of Policy and Engagement, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Miles Sandler is a nationally respected leader in policy, engagement, and systems change. As Director at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, she drives initiatives that strengthen civic infrastructure and support inclusive community development. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit and philanthropic management, Miles brings deep expertise in education policy, technical assistance, and cross-sector collaboration. She has a proven track record of aligning stakeholders and translating strategy into impact. Her leadership and commitment to equity make her an invaluable voice in shaping the future of inclusive philanthropy.
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Executive Director, Arthur Dean Family Foundation
Dr. River Sturdivant is a seasoned philanthropic executive with over 25 years of global leadership experience. As Executive Director of the Arthur Dean Family Foundation, she brings a people-centered and equity-informed approach to strategy and grantmaking. Her career includes senior roles at the Central Indiana Community Foundation, cultural institutions, and universities, along with extensive international work across 30 countries. With a doctorate in Adult Learning and Development, River blends strategic insight, holistic leadership, and deep experience in capacity building—making her a trusted voice in sector transformation.
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CEO, Roy and Patricia Disney Family Foundation
Shawn Escoffery is a nationally recognized philanthropic leader and CEO of the Roy and Patricia Disney Family Foundation, where he oversees a $160 million endowment and $6–8 million in annual grantmaking. Under his leadership, the Foundation has refined its strategy, launched an impact investing portfolio, and deepened its commitment to racial and economic justice. His prior work at the Surdna Foundation and in community development positions him as a bold systems thinker who delivers results. Shawn is widely known for advancing trust-based philanthropy, impact investing, and equitable grantmaking practices at scale.
What WE’RE WORKING ON
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Redesigning leadership structures so BIPOC leaders are positioned to thrive, not just participate.
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Mentoring and championing the next generation of changemakers to take bold leadership roles.
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Challenging outdated funding models and embedding equity into every philanthropic decision.
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Building a movement that redefines who has power in philanthropy—and how it is used.
Join Our Network
Be part of the movement shaping a new era of philanthropy—where equity isn’t just a stated value, but an embodied practice.
BIPOC Leaders
You don’t just belong in leadership—you belong at the helm of change. Join our community of impact-driven BIPOC leaders, access game-changing opportunities, and build the skills, connections, and influence to transform philanthropy from within.
Foundations
Be part of a bold new era in philanthropic leadership and giving. Gain access to untapped BIPOC talent, groundbreaking strategies, and leadership models that are transforming the sector into one that is inclusive, innovative, and equity-driven.