Catherine Crystal Foster
Strategic Philanthropy Leader Driving Social Impact
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About
I am a social impact strategist and philanthropic leader passionate about creating opportunities and systemic change for communities. With over 20 years of experience, I’ve guided families, foundations, and corporations in designing impactful initiatives that amplify giving and build partnerships for lasting change. My leadership journey spans roles at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Magnify Community, and other notable organizations, where I’ve influenced hundreds of millions of dollars in giving. I am driven by a commitment to learning, equity, and fostering joy in purposeful philanthropy.
Notable Roles
Job Categories
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Top Skills
Special Interests
What I Offer
I work with visionary individuals and organizations to unlock their potential for impact and transform communities.
Philanthropy Strategy
Crafting giving frameworks that align with values and deliver measurable social returns.
Nonprofit Leadership Development
Building stronger organizations with enhanced capacity and infrastructure.
Impact Evaluation and Advocacy
Empowering clients with tools to track results and drive policy change.
Ask Me About
Philanthropic Advisory Services
Nonprofit Growth and Strategy Support
Community Engagement Initiatives
Advocacy and Policy Design
Wisdom at Work
Areas of Expertise
Philanthropic Strategy Development
Designing high-impact giving strategies that align values with measurable outcomes for families, corporations, and foundations.
Nonprofit Capacity Building
Strengthening organizations to expand their reach and deepen their impact through funding, leadership, and infrastructure development.
Policy and Advocacy Leadership
Advancing systemic change through innovative policy design, advocacy, and community engagement.
Key Achievements
Scaling Local Philanthropy
Catalyzed over $47 million in pledges to Silicon Valley nonprofits, increasing regional giving and building enduring community partnerships through Magnify Community.
Advancing Strategic Philanthropy
Led Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors’ advisory team, influencing hundreds of millions in philanthropic capital across the US, Europe, and Africa.
Transforming Nonprofit Impact
Achieved a 95% college graduation rate among first-generation students as Executive Director of Peninsula College Fund, while tripling annual fundraising and expanding partnerships.
Knowledge tempered by time and experience that helps a person make better choices for themselves and be in a position to share that with others.
Summary of Skills
