Liz Bonner headshot

Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner

President, Hill-Snowdon Foundation | NCFP Fellow (2025–2027)

Elizabeth (Liz) Snowdon Bonner is president of the board of the Hill-Snowdon Foundation, a family foundation based in Washington, DC that supports community organizing for racial and economic justice issues.

Liz is vice chair of the board and chair of the advancement committee of the National Children’s Museum in Washington, DC. She serves on the development committee of the governing board of National Cathedral School, her highschool alma mater, and is a member of the campaign executive committee at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School. She was a co-facilitator of the NCFP’s 2023 Trust-Based Philanthropy Learning and Action Cohort and currently is a co-chair of NCFP’s Board Chair Peer Network.

Liz holds a BA in international relations from Stanford University, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa, and an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, where she was named a John W. Rollins Scholar for leadership and academic achievement.

Liz lives in Washington, DC with her husband, son, and two adorable dogs.

Contributions

Board Chair Peer Network: Planning and Navigating Successful Transitions

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Nicole Seawell, Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner

Generational transitions are important but complex moments in the life of a family philanthropy. Without thoughtful planning, they can lead to miscommunication and possible conflict. When approached well, however, they can bring great personal meaning and move a family closer to achieving the positive changes they seek in our world. Join us to hear from peers who, as board chairs,… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Navigating Change in Partnership and Community

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Nicole Seawell, Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner

As philanthropy navigates an uncertain and changing landscape, it’s important to draw on the expertise and experience of peers to explore how family donors continue to effectively support their communities. Whether acting in solidarity with nonprofit partners, mobilizing additional resources, or seeking opportunities to support big new ideas, family philanthropies have the power, influence, and the ability to move nimbly… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Collaborative Leadership: Building a Successful Board Chair-CEO Partnership

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Gretchen Guess, Nicole Seawell, Billy McGuinness, Robin Holloway, Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Adam Gibbons

The success of a family philanthropy depends greatly on a strong relationship between its board chair and executive leader. These relationships are vital to creating a positive organizational culture, for navigating challenges, and guiding the organization through periods of change. Join this session to hear from experienced board chairs and executive leaders on how they built and evolved their relationships… Read More

Board Chair & Emerging Leaders Peer Networks Joint Meeting: Next generation engagement and generational transitions on foundation boards

Posted on February 13, 2024 by John Ehrlich, Spencer Woolfolk, Kathy Tenhula, Rebecca Randall, Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Katherine Osborne Valdez

Join the Emerging Family Leaders and Board Chair Peer Networks for a joint discussion on next-generation engagement and generational transition on foundation boards. The discussion will feature two case studies from family foundations currently experiencing generational transitions and managing next-generation engagement. We will hear from the Fleishhacker Foundation’s board chair John Ehrlich and fifth-generation board member Becca Randall, along with… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Philanthropy in Complex, Multi-Generational Families

Posted on February 13, 2024 by Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Katherine Osborne Valdez, Ashley Blanchard

In family philanthropy, there can be an inherent tension between balancing individual philanthropic priorities with a collective family philanthropic endeavor. Families’ abilities to work together effectively in their philanthropy is dependent not only on the way they design their collective giving, but also in how they structure the philanthropic activities outside of it. The responsibility of the board chair is… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Leading in Complex Systems

Posted on January 24, 2024 by Dr. Jason Franklin, Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Katherine Osborne Valdez

Philanthropy often seeks to change systems that are complex and intersectional. While no one funder can address all of pieces of the system, identifying the right approach for any organization can be a complex process in and of itself. Board chairs are responsible for leading their organizations and families through these processes, balancing internal and external dynamics. Jason Franklin will… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Connect with Your Peers

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Katherine Osborne Valdez

The role of the board chair as a philanthropic leader is ever-evolving, yet leadership is a resource that goes through cycles, or seasons. As leaders, we must learn to understand our own seasons, those of our organizations, and those of our partners. In this peer-led session, Network Co-Chairs Liz Bonner and Katherine Osborne Valdez will facilitate small group conversations continuing… Read More

2023 Family Philanthropy Leadership Retreat

Posted on April 19, 2023 by Susan Stamerjohn, Michelle Tremillo, Alejandro Foung, Dr. Jason Franklin, Jonathan Brack, Sandra Fluke, Tonya Allen, Diego Zegarra, Sue Banerjee, Catherine Maddox Walton

Save the Date 2023 Family Philanthropy Leadership Retreat
The 2025 Family Philanthropy Leadership Retreat will take place in La Jolla, San Diego from October 27 to October 29, 2025. Learn more here.   Thank you so much for your interest in the Leadership Retreat. The event is sold out, and we are no longer accepting names for the waitlist, due to the unlikelihood of accommodating everyone on it… Read More

Application Deadline: Trust-Based Philanthropy Learning and Action Cohort

Posted on March 2, 2023 by Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Mailee Walker, Shaady Salehi

People taking part in a trust-based philanthropy exercise
About the Cohort The National Center for Family Philanthropy and the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project are pleased to announce a six-part Learning and Action Cohort for family foundations interested in leveraging their philanthropy toward a more just and equitable nonprofit sector. At its core, trust-based philanthropy is about addressing power imbalances and shifting our culture and practices so that nonprofits have the time,… Read More

Board Chair Peer Network: Good Governance Discussion

Posted on January 9, 2023 by Elizabeth Snowdon Bonner, Katherine Osborne Valdez

People discussing family philanthropy board governance
Come together with your peers for a dialogue on effective governance. We will build on NCFP’s February webinar to discuss the nuts and bolts of board governance, challenges with leading meetings, how to activate best practices, and ways to engage your own family. Please watch the February webinar recording or read the transcript in advance of the call. The final… Read More

We’re here to equip you with the tools you need to make a meaningful impact. Contact NCFP for support.

Get in Touch

Keep up with trends in family philanthropy. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Signup

Gain access to personalized support and a network of peers. Join our community!

Join Now