Penn State Foundation Relations

Connecting Penn State faculty and staff with private foundations to advance the University’s research and programmatic strengths and priorities.

About the Foundation Relations Office

Our Vision

To generate transformative private foundation support for Penn State through the development of mutually beneficial, long-term, collaborative relationships with internal partners and foundation leadership.

What we Do

  • Identify research, programs, and projects that may be of interest to private foundations and similar funders.
  • Provide background and context regarding funder interests, history of support, and other helpful information.
  • Engage in strategy formation discussions to determine the best way to build or further a relationship with a foundation.
  • Potentially connect you with private foundations leaders and program officers.
  • Advise regarding or assist with LOI development and proposal submission.
  • Collaborate with leadership, faculty, and research administrators across the University to ensure submission align with University policies and procedures.
  • Following receipt of an award, assist with stewardship and relationship management to ensure a continued thriving partnership between Penn State and the foundation.
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Get in Touch with Us

For general inquiries, please email the Foundation Relations team at foundations@psu.edu or call 814-863-4308.

Working with the Office of Foundation Relations

The Office of Foundation Relations works with private foundations to develop innovative programs, support faculty research, and advance the University’s mission.

Our Services

We connect private foundations with faculty by:

The Foundation Relations Team

Sophie Penney Leach

Sophie Penney Leach, Ph.D., Senior Director

Jara Dorsey-Lash

Jara Dorsey-Lash, Associate Director

Kate Totino

Kate Totino, M.S., Associate Director

Karen Kemirembe

Karen Kemirembe, Ph.D., Assistant Director

Andrew Kuhn

Andrew A. Kuhn, Ph.D., Assistant Director

Chrissy Long

Chrissy Long, Stewardship Coordinator

Jessica Kiely

Jessica Kiely, Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine

Kelly Frownfelter

Kelly Frownfelter, Administrative Support Coordinator, Corporate & Foundation Relations, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine