CAROLINE TOWER | San Francisco, CA

Born and raised in California, Caroline graduated from Stanford University with a degree in history. She has spent the bulk of her professional life in the nonprofit sector. First, after some significant volunteer work, she was Development Director for a system of 13 youth service programs covering 5 western states. In 1977, Caroline was hired as the first director of The Foundation Center’s San Francisco Office. The Foundation Center is the major information resource to assist nonprofits seeking grant support. In 1983, she joined the Northern California Grantmakers, first as Vice President and two years later was promoted to President and CEO. The Northern California Grantmakers is a professional association serving some 200 grantmaking foundations, corporate contributions programs and other private grant makers. After retiring in 2001, she joined the FRIENDS and has been privileged to attend work sessions every summer since then. She also has served on the Development Committee, Grant Writing Committee, RVC Planning Committee and FRIENDS Board. Her skills are mostly centered on nonprofit management and fund raising, but she has a long-standing love for the C&TSRR, aided and abetted by her husband, Richard.