Jeff Raikes
@jeffraikes
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Co-founder, Raikes Foundation, @RaikesFdn. Former CEO, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Seattle, WA
Joined June 2011
Today, vote not just for policies, but for leaders who listen, for communities that innovate, and for solutions shaped by all voices, not just a few. Find your polling location: https://t.co/feN2OWSMaZ
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Why wait? The world is calling for courage, and philanthropy can make big bets today. @TriciaRaikes and I are “giving in time” because the challenges we collectively face require urgency, focus, and creativity. Read my full take @InsidePhilanthr:
insidephilanthropy.com
Giving foundations and nonprofits a set expiration date has long been a wise approach to philanthropy, Jeff Raikes writes. Today’s challenges, he argues, make it more important than ever.
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It's time to come together, protect civil society, and ensure everyone can live and speak without fear. The @RaikesFdn has joined over 140 non-partisan charitable organizations to fight for our #FreedomOfSpeech. Read our statement: https://t.co/tHyZUkmFkY #UniteInAdvance
medium.com
“Acts of political violence — from the recent murder of Charlie Kirk to the murder of Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman of Minnesota — have…
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Our democracy depends on defending free speech and protecting the safety of those who speak up. Real progress, in business and in life, comes from listening and engaging in dialogue, not from violence or silence.
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The “Minnesota Miracle 2.0” wasn’t luck. It was decades of organizing, partnership, & persistence. Philanthropy’s real power? Investing in community-based leadership and coalition-building for the long term. Read more in my @InsidePhilanthr piece.
insidephilanthropy.com
Jeff Raikes draws on his foundation's experience as well as developments in Minnesota, emphasizing the value of perseverance in pushing for change at the state and local level.
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Dennis Quirin's leadership deepened our commitment to justice and strengthened our work across youth, education, and democracy. We're grateful for his impact and look forward to building on the foundation he helped shape. Thank you, Dennis.
After nearly 6 years, Dennis Quirin is stepping down as Executive Director of the Raikes Foundation. Please join us in celebrating Dennis’s remarkable contributions to the foundation and to our field.
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Grateful to join leaders from WA, ME & AK on the Hill to spotlight how federal, state & local partnerships are reducing youth homelessness. In WA alone, 10,000 fewer youth experienced homelessness from 2016–2022. cc: Cacey Hanauer-Sutton, Alison Kear, Chris Bicknell.
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From Microsoft Office to the Gates Foundation and beyond: on the From Start Up to Exit podcast, I shared lessons on leadership, impact, and being open to opportunity. Thanks @Shirishn & Gowri for a great convo. 🎧
🎙️ New Episode Drop! From Startup to Exit: Microsoft@50 – Birth of Microsoft Office Featuring Jeff Raikes, former President of Microsoft’s Business Systems Division and one of the key architects behind the Microsoft Office suite. Listen now: https://t.co/F0OwrnkQ2a
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Tech leaders can help turn the tide or turn a blind eye. @melindagates is calling on others to lead with integrity and use our resources for good. It’s not enough to talk about values; we have to live them. #Leadership #Philanthropy #TechForGood
fortune.com
"We, of all times right now, should be living those values out, not pivoting to what some comms person tells us is the right thing to do. That would be ridiculous," French Gates said.
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Research universities fuel American progress. Join me and 200+ business leaders to call on Congress & the administration to protect the independence of our learning institutions. Sign on: https://t.co/KfCtrM1PRX
#HigherEd #Innovation #LeadershipNow
https://t.co/jXXZXOpqiD
wsj.com
More than 200 business leaders signed an open letter calling on the Trump administration to reverse its moves against colleges and universities, arguing that funding cuts and restrictions on [student
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Sharing @jpalfrey 's powerful piece on the state of nonprofits. Two key takeaways: flexible funding is vital for nonprofit resilience, and courage is contagious when we speak up for our values.
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Grateful for the candor, courage, and collaboration at the 2025 OutGiving Conference. We’re building a bigger tent—one where inclusion, opportunity, and democracy go hand in hand. Onward!
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Our democracy is at stake. In my @InsidePhilanthr piece, I share 3 actions every philanthropic leader must take now: 1️⃣ Listen to communities 2️⃣ Defend nonprofit independence 3️⃣ Stand up for democratic norms Read more @InsidePhilanthr.
insidephilanthropy.com
In an era of political backlash, misinformation and heightened scrutiny, even experienced funders are hesitating to speak clearly about their values. Jeff Raikes argues it’s time to get back to...
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Great selection! I've seen JB lead public university systems with integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to expanding opportunity. We grew up with those values in Nebraska, and he’s carried them throughout his career.
The UC Board of Regents has approved James B. Milliken as the 22nd president of the University of California system. A proven higher ed leader and chancellor of the @utsystem, Milliken brings a deep commitment to values that make UC a model for the nation. https://t.co/ixzpndjCvI
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Excited to share the Raikes School at @UNLincoln is entering a new era of growth! Grateful for our dedicated community and thrilled to welcome Jerry Hudgins as interim executive director. Let's keep preparing tomorrow’s tech leaders for Nebraska & beyond. https://t.co/e7P0R3as8B
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So much has already happened in 2025—it’s worth pausing to reflect on what we built together last year. Our @RaikesFdn 2024 Annual Report is a reminder: real change takes time, trust, and showing up—for young people, and for each other. Read it below.
raikesfoundation.org
From housing stability to education to supporting work that strengthens our democracy, we remain committed to the belief that investing in young people is…
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Saddened by the sudden loss of former WA House Speaker Frank Chopp, a tireless advocate for housing and healthcare. His dedication inspired many, including myself.
seattletimes.com
An advocate for health care and low-income housing, Frank Chopp was the longest-serving House speaker in the state's history and a rare legislative force.
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Throughout my career, I've seen the immense impact of women in education & leadership. Let's celebrate those who've paved the way & support the next generation of changemakers. #MovingForwardTogether
Education is a powerful tool for equity, and women—especially women of color—have led the way in educating & inspiring generations. This #WomensHistoryMonth, we honor their legacy and commit to building a future where every young person has access to education and opportunity.
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Philanthropy isn’t just about giving—it’s about empowering nonprofits to do their best work. With federal funding cuts, funders can help. This @GivingCompass article lays out strategic ways to support grantees now. Let’s fill the gaps.
givingcompass.org
The scope and scale of the Trump administration’s ambitions are now strikingly clear, as is the degree of the administration’s hostility for the nonprofit sector in the U.S. and around the world. A ...
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This TX House Rep is speaking out about how vouchers benefit the wealthy while shifting costs to everyday, taxpaying Americans.
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