Chantias Ford

Founder & CEO, Philanthrojoy

Chantias Ford is an impactful joy strategist and philanthropy field leader with over a decade of leadership in the social impact field. She has an extensive background in strategic philanthropy programming, equitable grantmaking, consultation, evaluation, data management and analysis, education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Her most recent roles included being the Director of Programs and Strategic Learning at the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, and prior the Programs and Knowledge Director at PEAK Grantmaking. Previously, she held roles as a program officer at a family foundation, a philanthropy evaluator at an evaluation firm, and a strategic consultant working with various foundations.

As a thought leader and field catalyst she has spoken at hundreds of engagements (with executive boards, foundation teams, grantmakers, and grantees) and dozens of philanthropy conferences. She’s also done partnership work with the numerous philanthropy associations, philanthropy technology vendors, and philanthropy consultants.

Throughout her career, she has touched audiences of thousands of philanthropic professionals, educating, facilitating, and activating funders to be more equitable, transparent, relational, efficient, and impactful. In a volunteer capacity, she has served on executive boards, been a community of practice chair, a mentor, and a participant in various giving circles, including the New Generation of African American Philanthropists currently.

She holds a bachelor's degree in urban studies (Honors) from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Education in Learning, Diversity, and Urban Studies from Vanderbilt University.
She is passionate about using philanthropy and the social sector to build equitable spaces and enhance justice. She is a people-centered leader who brings a strong balance of joy and warmth, with rigor and excellence.