Zoe Metcalf
Zoe Metcalf is the Director of Development at Texas 2036, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to securing a prosperous future for all Texans through data-driven policy solutions. Driven by a deep commitment to civic engagement and public impact, Zoe works to improve the lives and opportunities of Texas’s rapidly growing population by connecting statewide policy priorities to meaningful local outcomes.
In her role, Zoe cultivates and stewards relationships with donors, foundations, and strategic partners, aligning philanthropic goals with initiatives that advance education and workforce development, health, infrastructure and natural resources, justice and safety, and effective government performance. With a background spanning donor development, foundation relations, grants management, and strategic communications, she brings a collaborative and results-oriented approach to ensuring investments generate measurable, lasting impact across the state.
Zoe holds a graduate certificate in Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech University and a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Development from Wheeling University. Beyond her professional role, she is actively engaged in the nonprofit sector through board service, volunteer leadership, and mentorship, reflecting her passion for strengthening communities and fostering collaboration. A proud Texan by choice, Zoe is dedicated to helping ensure Texas remains a place of opportunity and prosperity for generations to come.
• Texas Tech University
• Wheeling University
• Grant Professionals Association
• The Nonprofit Hive
• AFP Fort Worth Metro Chapter
• AFP Fort Worth Metro Chapter
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a career grounded in service, relationship-building, and showing up for the communities I care about. What began as volunteer work in the 1990s grew into a calling in fundraising and development, reinforced by leadership experiences that taught me the importance of honoring legacy while embracing change. Education in organizational leadership helped shape my strategic and empathetic approach, but at the heart of my work is a belief that meaningful impact comes from trust, active listening, and genuine human connection.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would remind young women that fundraising is, above all, a relationship-driven profession. Earn trust by listening more than you speak—people want to share their stories, and it’s your responsibility to honor them. Always remember that the donor is the hero; your role is to facilitate their impact. People give to people, not just to organizations, so authenticity, empathy, and genuine connection are essential.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in our field right now is securing consistent funding amid an increasingly polarized social and political climate. Divisiveness has influenced how potential donors choose the causes they support, often aligning their giving with organizations that reflect their personal beliefs. As a nonpartisan public policy nonprofit, this environment can create hesitation among donors who may perceive neutrality as misalignment in a time of strong political viewpoints. At the same time, this challenge presents an opportunity to reinforce the importance of objective, research-driven work and to engage donors who value balanced, evidence-based policy solutions that serve the broader public good.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are service, integrity, and authentic human connection. I believe fundraising is built on trust, earned through transparency, accountability, and respect for both donors and the communities we serve. I lead with empathy and active listening, recognizing that every gift reflects a personal story and a shared belief in making a positive impact. Stewardship is a responsibility I take seriously, honoring donor intent while advancing mission-driven outcomes, and I approach leadership with humility and purpose. Meaningful progress, to me, comes from relationships rooted in honesty, collaboration, and a genuine desire to serve others well.