Kristin Todd

An accomplished and visionary leader, Kristin Todd has dedicated her career to helping those in need through strategic philanthropy and community partnerships. Kristin serves as Executive Vice President for the Daniels Fund, one of the largest foundations in the Rocky Mountain region, with assets of approximately $1.5 billion. With a steadfast commitment to honoring the legacy of Bill Daniels, Kristin oversees the strategic distribution of more than $45 million annually to nonprofit organizations throughout Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and Utah. In total, more than 3,000 organizations have benefited from support from the Daniels Fund, making transformative differences in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Whether it’s helping youth receive a high-quality education or helping homeless individuals rebuild their lives with dignity, Kristin’s strategic vision has helped the Daniels Fund achieve its mission of making life better, one individual at a time.

Throughout her 25-year career in philanthropy, Kristin has been passionate about the vibrant role the nonprofit sector plays in the community and the critical supporting role of foundations. She has worked tirelessly to understand the complex issues facing today’s communities and has worked alongside nonprofit and business leaders to help bring about positive change and lasting impact. In her previous roles at El Pomar Foundation, chairman of the board at Colorado Nonprofit Association, and board member of Philanthropy Colorado, Kristin has played a key leadership role in advancing Colorado’s philanthropic sector. Her authentic and engaging style of leadership was a key factor when she was recently honored as Colorado’s Outstanding Professional Grantmaker by the National Philanthropy Day organization. Her nominators highlighted that “Kristin embodies the highest standards of openness, humility, and professionalism that those who work in philanthropy strive to achieve.”

In addition to serving the community through her professional work, Kristin generously volunteers her time and talent. She has served on numerous boards including the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation, The CUBE Charter High School, Boy Scouts – Denver Area Council, University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs, and the US Air Force Academy Foundation. Kristin serves on El Pomar Foundation’s Trustees Advisory Council and, over the years, has been appointed to serve on several state commissions and advisory councils related to philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. In 2017, Kristin served as a member of the inaugural class of the Colorado Governors Fellowship Program and received a gubernatorial appointment to the Colorado Workforce Development Council.

Kristin graduated from the University of Georgia, earning both magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa distinction. She earned her master’s degree in public administration, with a concentration in nonprofit management, from the University of Colorado.


Honoring donor intent in times of crisis

Grantmaking foundations have a responsibility to step up to the plate during crisis, but they also must respect their donor’s wishes. Here is how one foundation managed to thread that needle.