Dennis Quirin

Raikes Foundation

Dennis Quirin, Executive Director, Raikes Foundation

Dennis Quirin, Executive Director, Raikes Foundation

Tricia and Jeff Raikes announced today that after a nationwide search, they have selected Neighborhood Funders Group President Dennis Quirin to be the new executive director of the Raikes Foundation, starting in September.

“As we deepen our knowledge in and commitment to advancing equity in our work, we knew we needed a visionary leader who was going to push us to be better, and we have that in Dennis,” said co-founder Tricia Raikes.

The Raikes Foundation, established in 2002, works to advance an equitable and just society so that young people have the support they need to reach their full potential. The foundation focuses on advancing equity in the education system and preventing and ending youth and young adult homelessness. The Foundation also works to help donors give with more impact, including launching Giving Compass, a tool designed to curate the highest-quality content for donors.

“Given the broad scope of work we do at the Raikes Foundation, we knew we needed someone with a rare combination of skills and experience. Dennis understands the field of philanthropy broadly, and appreciates the importance of deep community engagement when advancing solutions. Dennis’s background aligns perfectly with our goals,” said co-founder Jeff Raikes.

Prior to his leadership of the Neighborhood Funders Group, Dennis worked as a race and equity-focused program officer for the Proteus Fund; for the government reform initiative California Forward; and as a community organizer in Los Angeles, among other roles.

Dennis takes over from Erin Kahn, the foundation’s founding executive director, who is stepping down to work as an independent consultant. “We would not be where we are today without Erin’s leadership. She assembled an outstanding team with big ambitions and helped to increase the impact of the Raikes Foundation’s dollars. We are grateful to have worked with her for the past 12 years,” said Tricia Raikes.