Author Staff

Esther Larson

Senior Director of Programs
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Esther Larson is senior director of Programs at Philanthropy Roundtable. Prior to joining the Roundtable, Esther served in senior leadership roles with Hope for New York, Hunger Free America and the Met Council on Jewish Poverty. Earlier in her career, she interned at the White House, focusing on strategies to mobilize Americans to volunteer. 

In her role at the Roundtable, Esther directs the donor advisory and research functions of the organization. She also directs the strong communities area of the Roundtable’s work which includes building understanding of, relationships with and analysis of thought leaders, funders and organizations who are working to strengthen communities across America. 

Esther holds a Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University, Master of Arts from New York University, Master of Public Service and Administration from Texas A&M’s George Bush School of Government and Public Service. She also has a certificate in fundraising and philanthropy from New York University and a certificate of business excellence from Columbia Business School. Esther also serves on several nonprofit and faith-based boards.

Authored by Esther Larson

    • December 9, 2024

    The Time is Now to Fund in the Area of Mental Health 

    • November 19, 2024

    H.E. Butt Foundation: Cultivating Wholeness to Foster Community Transformation

    • September 10, 2024

    “Street Homelessness is the Great Public Safety Crisis of Our Time”: An Interview with Cicero Institute 

    • August 15, 2024

    “Enter here. Start anew.”: A Conversation with Citygate Network

    • June 4, 2024

    How Houses of Worship Could Play a Greater Role Improving America’s Mental Health Epidemic 

    • April 17, 2024

    Uniting Through Volunteerism: National Volunteer Month Q&A with Besa

    • April 11, 2024

    A Funding Strategy for Youth Mental Health: An Interview with The Sidney A. Swensrud Foundation

    • March 20, 2024

    Criminal Justice and Philanthropy’s Response