Daniel Lau (he/him) is working towards a world where demographics (race, gender, sexuality, etc.) do not determine life outcomes and where all people have their needs met and the opportunities to flourish. A child of Chinese immigrant food service workers, Daniel’s lived experiences of socioeconomic inequities stewarded the morals that he holds close—justice, empathy, and a sense of humanity for all people.
“Since philanthropy is the direct outgrowth of unchecked capitalism, extractive economies, and white supremacy, it is our responsibility to fund those organizing to create new realities,” says Daniel. As the Initiative Officer for the Democracy Frontlines Fund (DFF), Daniel manages all aspects of the Fund including grantmaking, fundraising, donor organizing, curriculum development, and communications. He approaches his work with deep listening, strategy, and humor, and his favorite parts of his role are amplifying DFF’s movement partners and supporting funder allies to be and do better.
Previously, Daniel worked with Northern California Grantmakers, managing programs focused on advancing racial equity and leadership in the philanthropic community. Before NCG, he worked in asset building and economic development from his role at Mission Asset Fund and led the expansion of the Lending Circles social loan program.
Outside of work, Daniel is a game enthusiast, avid cooking gadget experimenter, and nature lover. He lives in San Francisco with his partner and dog Akoya.
