Texas Methodist Foundation Names Kean Tonetti as Director of Gift Planning

AUSTIN, Texas: Kean Tonetti has been named director of gift planning at Texas Methodist Foundation. She has nearly 20 years of experience in charitable giving, estate planning, and nonprofit consulting that will support Texas Methodist Foundation's mission to empower churches, foundations, and nonprofit ministries now and into the future.

Tonetti most recently served as the director of gift and estate planning for Cockrell School of Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, where she secured more than $17 million in commitments, providing integral support to maintaining Cockrell School’s status as a nationally recognized program. Previously, she played several key roles in development for Rice University’s gift planning department. She served Rice University for over nine years, finishing her tenure there as the senior director of development, leading a team of major gift officers. During her career, Tonetti has raised nearly $60 million, effectively connecting donors, institutions, stakeholders, and communities.

A graduate of Princeton University with a bachelor’s degree in religion, Tonetti is ready to empower donors and ministries across the country through charitable giving. “Connecting with donors eager to translate their vision into a powerful legacy to sustain vital ministries and maximize their impact within the community is what drives my passion for the work,” she said. “My highest priority is helping donors translate their vision and values into a lasting difference in the lives of the individuals, institutions, and nonprofits they care most about.”

“We’re committed to helping donors express their generous spirit, supporting the churches and nonprofits they love while securing their families’ financial futures,” said Justin Gould, chief philanthropy officer of Wesleyan Impact Partners. “Effective gift planning strengthens the ability of churches and nonprofits to fulfill their missions and build communities of love, generosity, and belonging. Kean will be an invaluable addition to our growing team, helping donor generosity become meaningful ministry and outcomes.”

“Supporting the financial and leadership needs of vital ministries and thriving congregations is our greatest priority in this season of the church,” said Rev. Lisa Greenwood, president and CEO of Texas Methodist Foundation. “We are currently in the midst of the largest transfer of wealth from Baby Boomers to their heirs in history. Kean greatly expands our ability to help donors who love Christ and the mission of the church create legacies of generosity and put their resources to work.”

About Texas Methodist Foundation

Texas Methodist Foundation is a ministry partner to the church, the body of Christ, helping bring about the loving world God imagines through cultures of purpose, generosity, and courage. Founded in 1938, Texas Methodist Foundation helps strengthen churches and nonprofit ministries through Impact Certificate and market-based investments, loans, gift planning, endowment services, and grants. Texas Methodist Foundation's leadership ministry, which began in 2002, is known nationally as a convener and conversation partner on the future of the church, courageous leadership, and innovation across the spiritual landscape. Texas Methodist Foundation serves organizations throughout Texas and New Mexico and is based in Austin, Texas. Learn more, visit texasmethodistfoundation.org.

Janet M. Mitchell
Chief Marketing Officer
Texas Methodist Foundation
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