Giving with Urgency, Grounded in Equity
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Nicole Pesco
This story is part of the Architects of Impact series, highlighting stories of innovation that demonstrate how our Community is mobilizing to ensure a world that works for all people and the planet.
Nicole Pesco began her philanthropic journey in 2021 with a clear intention: to use her resources to address urgent challenges and invest in long-term change. As the head of a private family foundation, she has since evolved into a strategic leader focused on equity-driven giving and systems-level impact.
At the outset, Nicole sought guidance and community. Based in California’s Central Valley, where philanthropic infrastructure is limited compared to larger hubs, she turned to Forward Global to build that foundation. Through her initial cohort and continued involvement in Action Labs and summits, she developed the relationships, knowledge, and confidence to shape a long-term philanthropic strategy. She took advantage of being in listening mode—absorbing lessons, hearing from seasoned members, and learning through programs and peer connection. “Just hearing some of the stories of what other people have done is helpful because there are so many members who’ve been doing this for much longer than me,” she says. “I learn so much through their experiences.”
A pivotal moment came with her participation in the Enough Project, a member-led initiative that helped her define her “surplus” capital and commit to a structured spend-down. This process unlocked her ability to give with greater clarity and urgency, aligning her resources with the impact she wanted to see.
A Strategy Rooted in Values
Today, her philanthropy spans three core areas. Locally, she invests in Stanislaus County to help break generational cycles of poverty and build economic power in historically marginalized communities. Nationally, she supports racial justice work aimed at dismantling systems of oppression. Globally, she funds teams working on AI safety and pandemic prevention—two underfunded but high-risk areas. She’s allocated lifetime budgets to each area, anchoring her giving in long-term commitment.
Across all of her work, Nicole is guided by a core set of values: equity, compassion, trust, and a commitment to fundamental human rights and the reduction of human suffering. “I believe in a world where there is enough for everyone,” she says. “And the question ‘Who is this going to hurt?’ is more important than ‘What can I get out of this?’” That mindset informs not just her strategy, but her sense of responsibility in today’s political environment. “Instead of making progress toward a more just and equitable society, we are having to spend resources clawing back the rights that are being stripped away from the most vulnerable people in our country.”
Stewardship, Not Spotlight
Our Community has remained a consistent partner in her development. Nicole credits Forward Global programs with helping her learn faster, act more confidently, and stay grounded in a community of practice. “Every engagement introduces a new idea or connection that strengthens my work,” she says.
While she leads the foundation, Nicole is quick to emphasize that the impact comes from grantees and partners. She sees her role as one of stewardship—getting money into the hands of those doing the work, and staying in learning mode herself. Her current focus includes deepening her understanding of the intersection between racism and capitalism.
As she continues to refine her strategy, Nicole remains grounded in a long-term vision: that her children and future generations will live in a more just and equitable world because of the decisions being made today.
