Kelly Nowlin is Senior Advisor at the National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP) where she plays a central role in shaping and advancing the organization’s connecting and convening strategy. She partners with philanthropic leaders to strengthen peer learning, expand thought partnership roles and opportunities, and foster meaningful connections across NCFP’s network, helping philanthropic families learn, collaborate, and maximize their impact.
A fifth-generation member of the Andrus family, Kelly has spent more than 20 years advancing family philanthropy through board leadership and strategic initiatives. She served for 12 years on the board of the Surdna Foundation, chairing the Andrus Family Philanthropy Program, the Thriving Cultures Program Committee, and the Centennial Working Group, which guided the foundation’s 100th anniversary. She also served as a founding board member and former Co-Chair of the Andrus Family Fund.
Kelly is Principal of KDN Philanthropy Consulting, advising family foundations on governance, grantmaking strategy, next generation engagement, organizational culture and strategic lifespan. With nearly 30 years of experience in philanthropy and communications, she is a trusted facilitator and advisor to giving families who are navigating growth, leadership transitions, and strategic change.
Kelly is a frequent national speaker on topics including philanthropic trends, governance, family engagement, foundation culture, racial equity, strategic communications, and impact. She co-developed NCFP’s Racial Justice Learning and Action Cohort for family foundation trustees and has served on the boards of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations and the National Center for Family Philanthropy, including two years as NCFP’s board chair. Currently, she is active on the Advisory Committee of the Democracy and Power Innovation Fund, the board of The Jar, and the Boston Public Schools Arts Advisory Board.