After a thorough and inclusive nationwide search, Philanthropy Southwest, the first association of grantmakers in the nation, is pleased to announce that Tony Fundaro has been named CEO, effective April 1, 2019. Tony is a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader in the philanthropic sector with more than 20 years of executive leadership experience creating lasting impacts in local, national, and global communities. In his various leadership roles with foundations, nonprofits, and businesses, he has planned and executed the visions of many organizations, placing a high value on relationship building, collaborations, fundraising, and organizational development.
Tony joins Philanthropy Southwest from PSW Member Social Venture Partners Dallas (SVP), a community of philanthropists committed to strengthening the city through collective impact. At SVP, he served on the executive team as vice president of development growing their partnerships, thought leadership influence, and revenue base. Prior to his time at SVP, he was an executive at Meeting Professional International Foundation, a 60,000-person global community of meeting professionals in 19 countries. Other past roles include: founder and executive director of Life in Deep Ellum, a cultural center built for the artistic, social, and economic benefit of a historical art community; founder of Life Communities, a foundation that focused on community development in underserved urban communities around the globe; and co-founder of the emerging leaders conference “Engage Dallas,” as well as the DART Bus Stop Project in Southern Dallas. Tony also serves on the Dallas Mayor’s Star Council Board of Directors and was its 2016—2017 volunteer president.
When asked about the choice, Philanthropy Southwest Board President, Executive Vice President and COO of El Pomar Foundation Matt Carpenter said: “Our board is confident that Tony is the right leader to mobilize our association of hundreds of grantmakers—the first of its kind in the nation—so we can maximize philanthropic excellence and trusted partnerships that impact our region’s most pressing issues.”
When asked about the opportunity, Tony added: “The priority for Philanthropy Southwest is clear: to build on our legacy, bolstered by the significant influence of loyal members who inspire our future. Our growth will require an entrepreneurial and creative mindset, committed collaborations, and a passion to innovate, educate, and evolve—as we work together to foster philanthropic excellence and trust. In partnership with the board of directors, committees, members, and the PSW team, it is my privilege to serve this thriving network and lead our organization into the future.”
Connect with Tony starting April 1 at tony@philanthropysouthwest.org.