Heather Barberi

Heather Barberi is the Executive Director of the Grunin Foundation, a family foundation working to unlock the potential of the Central Jersey Shore by investing in innovation, equity, and collaboration. Under the shared leadership of Heather, the Foundation’s President, Board, and dedicated staff, the Foundation advances its mission by providing holistic support through funding, capacity building, and coalition building to organizations that share its vision of a more equitable, just, and vibrant region. Together, they are prioritizing transparency and trust-based philanthropy—fostering strong, accountable relationships with grantees and community partners.

The Grunin Foundation funds and supports organizations that are deeply connected to their communities, invests in capacity building for nonprofit leaders at all levels, and engages in coalition work to address systemic challenges across the region. With a strong emphasis on authenticity, vulnerability, collaboration, joy, and justice, the Foundation aligns its values with action—offering clarity around its grantmaking, amplifying community voices, and continuously evolving its philanthropic practice through shared learning.

Heather brings more than 20 years of experience across the nonprofit and private sectors, with a background in strategic development, fundraising, and marketing. She is deeply committed to building a more inclusive, effective, and trusted philanthropic sector. Heather currently serves on the boards of the Ocean County YMCA, ArtPride New Jersey, Young Audiences New Jersey & Eastern Pennsylvania, and Ocean Partnership for Children, Inc. She is a graduate of York College of Pennsylvania and resides in Ocean County, New Jersey.