Looking Back, Moving Forward

After nearly six years, I have decided to step down as Executive Director of the Raikes Foundation this fall. It has been the honor of a lifetime to work alongside a team and community of partners committed to putting the American Dream within everyone’s reach.

I joined the foundation at a time of profound change in our country. The racial reckoning of 2020 and COVID-19 were defining moments that challenged us to respond with clarity and conviction. With the support and hard work of our staff and leadership, the Raikes Foundation deepened its commitment to racial justice and reimagined what it means to be in partnership—with young people, with community, and with grantees.

That commitment is reflected across our portfolios today. Whether it’s improving school funding and student experience in public schools, reducing youth and young adult homelessness, or empowering donors to fund meaningful change in their communities—we are guided by a vision of a future where opportunity is within reach for everyone.

During my tenure, we also launched a new portfolio dedicated to advancing people’s ability to shape the decisions that affect their daily lives. A healthy, thriving democracy underpins everything we care about— from education and housing to our collective well-being— and I’m excited to see this work grow and deepen alongside the foundation’s other core initiatives.

As I step away from this role, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be launching a new organization later this year. Our mission is to help mend our fractured civic identity by supporting diverse approaches to organizing and community building, especially in areas with limited philanthropic infrastructure. I will remain closely engaged with our trustees, Jeff and Tricia, and staff over the next several months to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition.

The Raikes Foundation’s mission and values remain as strong as ever. Our work is powered by a remarkable community of partners, grantees, and staff whose dedication and creativity will continue to drive positive change. It has been a privilege to walk alongside them, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and partnership extended to me over the past six years.

I am inspired by all that I’ve learned here—by the power of collaboration, connection, and shared leadership. I look forward to celebrating the foundation as it evolves, reaches farther, and makes space for more people to lead, belong, and thrive.

With gratitude,

Dennis