Since 2014, Stephen’s work in philanthropy has taken him from advising high-net-wealth donors as a senior philanthropic advisor at Seattle Foundation to sitting in deep listening with Black community leaders across Washington State as the director of community engagement and learning for the Black Future Coop Fund. Across those roles, he focused on one question: how do we practice liberation in real time. As a Black, gay, white-passing man shaped by Buddhist practice, abolitionist thought, and years working at the intersection of philanthropy and community, Stephen is always looking at how we practice freedom and liberation through relationship dynamics, decision making frameworks, and the movement of resources.
Stephen Robinson
Foundations Operations Manager
Stephen Robinson serves as Operations Manager for the Foundation Management Services Team, where he supervises the systems, processes, and day-to-day functions that support effective philanthropic giving across multiple Foundation partners. He works closely with donors, advisors, family offices, and internal teams to ensure grants, compliance, and reporting are handled with care, precision, and integrity. Grounded in contemplative practice and a relational approach to stewardship, Stephen brings clarity and steadiness to the operational work that allows values-driven philanthropy to function well in practice.
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As a second-gen foundation trustee, I’ve seen how hard it can be to bring different voices together around the table. Our work with Phīla helped us bridge perspectives and build consensus. Our recent Board meeting was one of the best we’ve had—we voted to increase our annual giving and expand into advocacy work as a result of the clarity we gained.
Family Foundation Board President
Stephen Robinson
Foundations Operations Manager
Stephen Robinson serves as Operations Manager for the Foundation Management Services Team, where he supervises the systems, processes, and day-to-day functions that support effective philanthropic giving across multiple Foundation partners. He works closely with donors, advisors, family offices, and internal teams to ensure grants, compliance, and reporting are handled with care, precision, and integrity. Grounded in contemplative practice and a relational approach to stewardship, Stephen brings clarity and steadiness to the operational work that allows values-driven philanthropy to function well in practice.
