About Philanthropy Launch Lab

Philanthropy Launch Lab exists to help newly formed family and private foundations build the structure, systems, and clarity needed to operate confidently and effectively—so their philanthropy can function as intended from the very beginning.

Founded by Nicole Anderson, a nonprofit leader with more than two decades of experience, Philanthropy Launch Lab bridges nonprofit realities with foundation operations.

This experience allows Philanthropy Launch Lab to move beyond theory—helping foundations build real-world systems, policies, and processes that support grantmaking from day one.

MEET OUR FOUNDER

Nicole Anderson

Founder, Philanthropy Launch Lab

“When foundations lead with clarity and transparency, trusted relationships form — creating meaningful impact across the missions they support.”

Nicole Anderson is a nonprofit and philanthropic leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning both nonprofit leadership and private foundation operations.

She spent more than two decades in senior nonprofit roles, including leadership positions with Ronald McDonald House Charities New England and the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, where she led fundraising, communications, donor engagement, and strategic partnerships.

Today, Nicole serves as Executive Director of the Lawson Charitable Foundation, where she built and now leads the foundation’s grantmaking systems, operations, communications, and strategic direction.

This rare dual perspective — shaped by experience on both the nonprofit side and the funder side — informs her work through Philanthropy Launch Lab, where Nicole helps newly formed family and private foundations turn philanthropic vision into clear structure, strong systems, and transparent grantmaking practices.

Nicole holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration.