Lauren Bourke is a development leader with almost 20 years of institutional and major gift fundraising experience to support climate change, social justice, and grassroots-led initiatives. Prior to joining The Climate Center, she has worked as an independent consultant, supporting the fundraising goals and strategies of high-impact organizations, including Amazon Frontlines, Not In Our Town, Mission Science Workshop, Ofrenda A’bunna, and others. Much of her work has focused on helping clients to grow their fundraising base and implement systems to support long-term financial sustainability.
Lauren began her nonprofit career at Rainforest Action Network, where she worked for eight years to help secure funding to stop deforestation, address climate change, and support human rights. Lauren also served as the Director of Development at The Representation Project, a nonprofit organization founded by Jennifer Siebel Newsom to challenge gender representation in the media.
Prior to working in the nonprofit sector, Lauren worked as a public and private accountant for over six years. Her transition into the nonprofit and fundraising sector was inspired by the desire to play an impactful role within organizations that are transforming the world for the good of the people and our planet.
Lauren has a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Mills College and a BA in Business Economics from University of California, Santa Barbara. She also has a certificate in Technical and Professional Writing from San Francisco State University.
Lauren lives on California’s Central Coast with her husband, two children and their dog, Walnut. Lauren enjoys spending time with her family (most of all!), hiking local trails, reading and writing, watching her children play sports, and traveling.