Emily O'Donnell

With a Harvard doctorate in Social and Behavioral Sciences and experience managing a $14M early childhood portfolio at Fidelity Foundations, I help foundations and nonprofits create meaningful, lasting change for children and families.

My work focuses on translating evidence into action, whether that's helping foundations design strategic giving programs or supporting nonprofits in building sustainable, effective programs that attract funding and deliver results. As a published researcher on social determinants of health and family wellbeing, and having directed federal research projects and evaluated national initiatives, I bring both academic rigor and real-world experience to every engagement.

I specialize in helping organizations navigate the complex landscape of early childhood philanthropy. My unique perspective comes from having worked on both sides of the table—as a funder making strategic grants and as a researcher seeking support for evidence-based initiatives. Whether you're a foundation looking to maximize your impact or a nonprofit seeking to align your programs with funder priorities, I bring the insight and experience needed to bridge the gap between funding and practice.