Strengthening Nonprofit-Foundations Relationships

Vrinda Manglik supports venture grantees working in the power sector. Previously, she worked in climate philanthropy as a program officer at the Energy Transition Fund (2020-21) and as a climate and energy program associate at the Pisces Foundation in San Francisco. Her experience in environmental non-profits includes staff roles at the Sierra Club and Environmental Law Institute, and as a Scoville Peace Fellow at the Natural Resources Defense Council. She also worked as a field organizer on Obama's 2012 re-election campaign. Before working at Growald Climate Fund, she contracted full time as a storyteller at Google, communicating about data centers and related themes of energy, sustainability and community and economic development. She currently serves on the boards of Earthworks and Corporate Accountability, and also creates illustrations on topics related to the environment and climate change.

Lauren is a strategic communications professional with a passion for translating complex issues into compelling narratives that inspire action. With academic foundations in environmental studies and religious studies from Brown University, she brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to her work in social change and sustainability. Currently pursuing a master’s in professional communication at the University of San Francisco, Lauren continues to advance clean energy and environmental initiatives through her role at the U.S. Energy Foundation.

Karolo has led fundraising efforts at organizations such as GRID Alternatives, the Sierra Club, Global Fund for Women, EcoViva and International Rivers. He earned a Master’s degree in Anthropology from Vanderbilt University and an M.B.A. from San Francisco State University, where he also earned his B.A. He is a Certified Fundraising Executive and frequently lectures and faciliates workshops on fund development and non-profit management.

Dustianne is a national expert and a program developer, technical assistance provider and evaluator serving a wide array of human services programs nationwide since 1995. Most often serving families in highly distressed situations, Dustianne emphasizes community-driven and volunteer-based efforts and is committed to emancipatory practices in both her practice and research. Her diverse scope of knowledge covers a range of issues including youth and family services development and implementation, volunteer management, community organizing and mobilization, and fundraising and development. She currently serves as the Research Director for the California Mentoring Partnership, is a trainer and technical assistance provider via the California Prevention Initiative and the Crisis and Recovery Enhancement project (both under the California Department of Health Care Services), and collaborates extensively with other public and nonprofit entities.