Jonathan T. Reid

Program Officer Jonathan T. Reid oversees a portfolio of grants focused on increasing the number of college students from historically underrepresented backgrounds, including low-income and first-generation populations, who attain postsecondary credentials. His work spans two primary focus areas: one involves leading a pilot initiative in partnership with intermediary organizations to support community foundations and grassroots nonprofit organizations in priority regions, with the goal of strengthening local capacity and advancing equity-focused outcomes; the other centers on expanding access to higher education in prison and enhancing reentry supports for formerly incarcerated individuals as they transition back into society.

Prior to joining ECMC Foundation, Jonathan was a senior program officer with the LA84 Foundation, where he managed a diverse portfolio of grants and launched several funding initiatives. His experience also includes working for Beach Cities Health District, Playworks, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health.

Currently, Jonathan serves on the Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy Advisory Committee, is a co-chair of the Postsecondary Access and Attainment Impact (PSA2) Group at Grantmakers for Education and sits on the board of directors of School on Wheels, a nonprofit that provides free tutoring and mentoring to children experiencing homelessness. He is a 2025 P.L.A.C.E.S. Fellow through The Funders Network and is also an Eagle Scout.

Jonathan holds a Master of Public Health and Bachelor of Arts in psychology from New York University.

Why are you working at ECMC Foundation and committed to working toward improving higher education for underserved learners?

I’m at ECMC Foundation because I believe higher education should be a gateway—not a gatekeeper—for underserved learners. After nearly 15 years in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, I’ve seen how strategic investments and trust-based partnerships can drive real, systemic change. I’m committed to expanding access, centering equity and supporting organizations that help students and their communities thrive.