ABOUT

EMILY WEISGRAU

FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

BA, Vassar College
MA, American University

As a frontline fundraiser turned philanthropy communications strategist, Emily deeply understands the joys and challenges of raising money for complex organizations—and the vital role communications play at every step of the process. For nearly 30 years, she has been a champion of philanthropy, a strategic planner, and a trusted advisor. 

Emily serves on the executive board of the Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College. She and her husband split their time between Philadelphia and Cape Cod with a dog and cat—and occasionally two young adult sons—in tow.

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Favorite Movie: A Room With a View (Merchant & Ivory, 1985)

Favorite Play: Angels in America (Tony Kushner, 1991)

Favorite Album: Graceland (Paul Simon, 1986)

Favorite Food: Strawberry shortcake (the real kind, with biscuits)

ROBERT ALFORD

PARTNER & VICE PRESIDENT

BA, Swarthmore College 
MA + PhD, University of California–Berkeley

Robert centers donor experience in all of his work, finding ways to keep supporters engaged and poised to deepen their philanthropy. Combining a big-picture approach with an understanding of the tools that fundraisers need day-to-day, Robert loves drafting powerful messaging for giving conversations and creating comprehensive communications plans. Altogether, he has contributed to campaigns that have raised more than $6.3B. 

He lives in Philadelphia with his husband and dog, and serves on the Advancement Committee for BalletX.

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Favorite Movie: Nashville (Robert Altman, 1975)

Favorite Play: Grey Gardens (Doug Wright, 2006)

Favorite Album: NFR! (Lana Del Rey, 2019)

Favorite Food: dark chocolate

Why Weiswood?

Weiswood combines “weiss” (the German word for “white”) and the English word “wood.”

White wood calls to mind aspen trees, which work together via their root systems to support the sustainability and growth of the trees above, keeping the grove healthy and thriving.

Similarly, our goal is to support the sustainability and growth of mission-driven organizations.