Funmilayo Brown

Funmilayo Brown supports our portfolio in building a robust, diverse philanthropic funding base as part of our Knight Resiliency Lab team. 

She is a philanthropic leader and nonprofit strategist with more than 20 years of experience advancing equity, organizational transformation, and sustainable growth. She has held senior leadership roles across nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, where she strengthened boards, expanded mission impact, and secured transformational funding from individual, institutional, and corporate partners.

As founder and CEO of Layo Philanthropic Partners, Funmilayo advised philanthropists and nonprofit leaders on designing giving strategies that are both purpose-driven and results-oriented. Her work has empowered individuals and institutions to align their resources with bold visions for impact, while creating pathways for more people of color to participate in philanthropy and leadership.

Funmilayo holds a B.A. from Oberlin College, an M.P.A. from NYU, and a certificate from Columbia Business School. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the NationSwell Council. She lives in Jersey City with her two daughters and can usually be found with either a suitcase packed for travel or laughter echoing from family time at home.