Natalie Ross

Natalie is the Director for Global Philanthropy at the Council, where she works to build stronger connections between Council members and philanthropic, non-profit and private-sector institutions working on global issues. Natalie leads the Council's engagement with global philanthropic networks; develops international content for Council convenings, conferences, and resources; and leads the strategy development and implementation of the Council's international program. Natalie also works closely with global policy-makers and multi-lateral organizations to develop a positive global enabling environment for cross-border philanthropy.

Prior to joining the Council, Natalie worked as a Program Officer at the Aga Khan Foundation USA, where she mobilized and managed a $30M portfolio of civil society programs in Africa and Asia. She also led development of the multi-stakeholder Global Alliance for Community Philanthropy, which researches how external donors can better encourage the use of local resources to support and sustain locally-led development. Natalie received her bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Africana Studies from Wellesley College. She has lived and worked abroad throughout her career, including as a primary school teacher in Kampala, Uganda and as a Fulbright fellow in South Africa, where she designed university-level teacher training courses and girls’ empowerment programs.