Laura Ciociola
Director of Finance
Laura brings 15+ years of experience in nonprofit operations and finance, with a career grounded in building strong, people-centered systems. In the realm of environmental justice, she played a vital role in the passage of a 2014 citizen's initiative amendment, which dedicates $20 billion dollars to water and land conservation in Florida. She also helped build out voter registration programs in North, Central, and South Florida that successfully registered more than 50,000 Floridians in two election cycles and set up community organizing programs that brought vital services to climate refugees from Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.
More recently, Laura has acted as the driving force behind a repro rights organization's seamless transition from fiscal sponsorship to full independence for both a c3 and c4. Guided by the belief that systems should support people, Laura seeks to build the operational and financial backbone that strengthens and sustains progressive nonprofit missions.
Outside of work, Laura loves to try out new recipes, volunteer at the local animal shelter, and hike through one of Florida's many beautiful trails with her family. She enjoys film, fiction, art, and music, and believes deeply in the power of storytelling to heal, connect, and transform communities.
Stories & Updates
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Indigenous Tomorrows Fund Expands in Year Two With $1.65 Million Investment in Youth-Led Grantmaking
Native Americans in Philanthropy, Newman’s Own Foundation, and Novo Nordisk are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Indigenous Tomorrows Fund (ITF) grants.
The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund: 2026 Grant Applications Now Open!
Native Americans in Philanthropy, Newman’s Own Foundation, and Novo Nordisk are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Indigenous Tomorrows Fund (ITF) grants.
Native Youth Grantmakers at NAPCON26
The 2026 Native Youth Grantmakers (NYG) convened together for the first time on the homelands of our Coast Salish relatives. Beyond gaining new relatives and networking at every turn, the retreat’s agenda included courses in personal development, cultural grounding, and exploring each participant’s role as members of their respective communities and their new place within the philanthropic sector.
NAPCON26: Highlights From Our 2026 Annual Conference
Over three days in Riverside, California, Native leaders, funders, organizers, and community members gathered for the Native Americans in Philanthropy 2026 Annual Conference.
Native Youth Grantmakers in Seattle
The 2026 Native Youth Grantmakers (NYG) convened together for the first time on the homelands of our Coast Salish relatives. Beyond gaining new relatives and networking at every turn, the retreat’s agenda included courses in personal development, cultural grounding, and exploring each participant’s role as members of their respective communities and their new place within the philanthropic sector.
Native Americans in Philanthropy Announces Third Cohort of Native Youth Grantmakers
Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) is thrilled to announce the 2025-2026 Native Youth Grantmakers. These extraordinary and highly accomplished young individuals are the embodiment of passion, excellence, and a deep commitment to making a positive difference in their communities. As we welcome this new cohort, we celebrate their achievements, their futures, and their dedication to advancing Native-led philanthropy.
Standing Hand-in-Hand: Reflections on Reclamation, Partnership, and Possibility in Hawaiʻi
Native Hawaiian Philanthropy, Native Americans in Philanthropy, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy came together for the Power in Solidarity: Hawaiʻi Funder Tour
It's Always A Good Day To Be Indigenous: How NAP Staff Honor Indigenous Peoples Day
This Indigenous Peoples Day, we are proud to center the voices of our staff—community leaders from across Indian Country—who share what this day means to them.
In Pilot Year, Youth-Led Indigenous Tomorrows Fund Awards $720K To 24 Orgs Advancing Community Wellbeing
Native Americans in Philanthropy, Newman’s Own Foundation, and Novo Nordisk are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Indigenous Tomorrows Fund (ITF) grants.