Libby Rau, M.A.
Collaborating Consultant
Libby has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, specializing in program management, evaluation, board stewardship, and fund development. Her commitment to equity and collaborative grant-making has driven her to uncover and cultivate connections between nonprofit organizations, donors, and the community. By employing design thinking, she has created innovative philanthropic and community engagement experiences grounded in trust and transparency.
Libby’s journey in grantmaking has shaped her understanding that at the heart of every funding request lies a story—a person's dream, a community's hope, and the determination to create lasting change.
Libby holds a Master’s degree in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University, along with a Bachelor’s in Leadership Communication from Buena Vista University. Additionally, she has completed executive education in Design Thinking at Stanford’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design and she is a certified Forest Therapy Guide.
As an avid explorer deeply connected to nature, Libby spends her free time wildlife watching, forest bathing, and camping in the Boundary Waters. A deep love and passion for the environment informs her holistic approach to community engagement, inspiring her to champion initiatives that nurture both people and the planet.