Seara Grundhoefer

Senior Analyst, Research

Seara supports the research team at CEP in designing studies, analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, and writing reports.

Prior to joining CEP in October 2023, Seara worked in international development, contributing to program and impact evaluations of US-government funded projects across a range of subject areas, including health, infrastructure, and migration. Seara also graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Political Science.

Outside of work, Seara enjoys taking ballet classes, reading about ancient Greece and Rome, and finding new podcasts about niche topics.

Seara Grundhoefer's Blog Posts

Governing Through Uncertainty: In Conversation About Newly Released CEP Research
Kevin Bolduc Vice President, Assessment and Advisory Services, CEP
Seara Grundhoefer Senior Analyst, Research

In this conversation, CEP’s Vice President of Assessment and Advisory Services Kevin Bolduc talks with CEP Senior Research Analyst Seara Grundhoefer about data CEP just released that explores the role and responsibilities of foundation boards in helping their...

New Data Reveals a Sector in Crisis, But Steadfastly Mission-Focused
Ellie Buteau, Ph.D. Director of Research Projects and Special Advisor on Research Methodology and Analysis, CEP
Seara Grundhoefer Senior Analyst, Research

The importance of nonprofits’ work in the United States cannot be understated. In the words of one nonprofit leader CEP interviewed in the fall of last year: "Nonprofits are the backbone of our communities. We connect people to vital services, nutritious food,...

AI With Purpose: As Funders and Nonprofits Adopt AI, What’s Missing?
Seara Grundhoefer Senior Analyst, Research

“If equity is the goal, the nonprofit sector must be at the [AI] table from the start. Without us, equitable AI won’t happen. With us, it’s possible.” These are words shared by a nonprofit leader who responded to the Center for Effective Philanthropy’s (CEP)...

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Recent Blogs

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Why Philanthropy Needs a New Language for Digital Risk
Jean Westrick Executive Director, Technology Association of Grantmakers

by Jean WestrickChloe Heskett | Apr 30, 2026

Ask most foundation leaders what “cybersecurity” means, and they’ll describe firewalls, phishing simulations, and password policies. They're not wrong, but what they describe is a much smaller problem than the one we face. Technology, however, is no longer just tools...

When Shift Happens, What Does It Mean for Philanthropy to Leave Well?
Laila Bell, M.P.A. Vice President, Learning and Impact, The Skillman Foundation
Stephanie Teleki, Ph.D. Director of Learning and Impact, The California Health Care Foundation
Jaime Vazquez, M.A. Senior Associate, Planning and Evaluation, The Pew Charitable Trusts

by Laila Bell, M.P.A., Stephanie Teleki, Ph.D., Jaime Vazquez, M.A.Chloe Heskett | Apr 28, 2026

When a foundation shifts course or steps away, what happens to the work — and to the people who depend on it? Few funders will support a single strategy or approach indefinitely. Needs routinely exceed available resources, forcing difficult choices about where a...

Funders Want Impact, Strong Coalitions Can Deliver It
Monica Martinez Program Director, College Success, Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund
Ria Sengupta Bhatt Founder and Principal Consultant, Mandala Strategies

by Monica Martinez, Ria Sengupta BhattLauren Chan | Apr 23, 2026

As California lawmakers were assembling the most recent state budget, a coalition of nonprofits played a leading role in securing emergency aid for undocumented students facing unexpected costs that could derail their journey to a...