Dr. Angela Frusciante is the director of Knowledge Designs to Change, a research and strategy practice that supports changemakers. As a socio-political scholar and engaged researcher, Angela brings 30 years of experience working in social science inquiry within the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. She is a vetted member of the National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers, an alumna of the Council on Foundations Career Pathways program, a long-term scholar contributor to The Foundation Review, and founding co-editor of the Journal of Collaboration for Equitable Change. 

Along with work within community, nonprofit, academic and philanthropic contexts, Angela was one of the first people to hold a “knowledge development officer” title within a grantmaking foundation. In this role, she created and managed grant and research investments related to information access, organizational learning, management systems, program support, and network learning.  She established a family foundation’s statewide university partnerships and initiated an emerging network of engaged scholars. She continues these relationships as Chair of URBAN Connecticut, a statewide affiliate of the national Urban Research Based Action Network.

Angela believes in the power of the social sector to influence change and has an enduring curiosity for how people activate equity through shared meaning making. Angela is committed to working with colleagues who take on the important analytic work that connects funders, grantees, and communities.