Mary Elizabeth Blount
New York,New York
Summary
Strategic leader in philanthropic strategy and grantmaking, skilled in relationship management and data-driven decisions. Led initiatives that align brand values with sustainability goals, enhancing corporate philanthropy through effective reporting and communication.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager - Sustainability & Philanthropy
Tiffany & Co.
New York, NY
12.2021 - Current
- Developed and executed global philanthropic strategy across the Foundation and corporate giving, aligning grantmaking and cause marketing initiatives with brand priorities to position Tiffany & Co. as a leader in luxury philanthropy.
- Directed sustainability and philanthropy communications, translating complex ESG and impact initiatives into clear, compelling content across Tiffany's and LVMH's Sustainability Reports, social and digital platforms, press and internal channels.
- Led end-to-end grantmaking operations, managing the full lifecycle from pipeline development and due diligence to approvals, compliance and impact reporting, ensuring rigor, transparency and alignment with internal governance standards.
- Drove cross-functional governance of corporate charitable giving, partnering with legal, finance, and regional teams to standardize processes and strengthen due diligence frameworks, enhancing program effectiveness across global markets.
- Led global employee engagement and giving programs, designing and scaling initiatives that boosted participation and aligned efforts with organizational impact goals.
Development Assistant
MDRC
New York, NY
03.2019 - 12.2021
- Led strategy, writing, and editing for grants totaling $15M; created white papers and provided administrative support for foundation grants by tracking guidelines, deadlines, and analytics to strengthen funder relationships.
- Identified and secured project, infrastructure, cross-divisional, and unrestricted funding for MDRC's seven social policy areas and organizational development.
- Cultivated relationships with foundation funders and policymakers through effective communication, enhancing collaboration and funding opportunities.
- Conducted research, prospecting, and due diligence on potential funders and stakeholders to support corporate development and fulfill the firm's mission.
- Conducted qualitative research, interviews, and data collection; collaborated on analysis and reporting for MDRC's K-12 program area.
Intern
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Washington DC
05.2016 - 08.2016
- Researched and wrote project proposals, interviewing stakeholders to evaluate partnership and donor relations success for "Sea Turtle Conservation Business Plan," enhancing investment efficiency and promoting economic self-sufficiency for low-income Caribbean populations.
- Conducted background and prospective research on stakeholders, investors, and local NGOs to assess environmental and social risks of climate change.
- Assisted in developing conservation outreach materials for educational programs.
- Collaborated with team members on habitat restoration project planning.
- Conducted research on funding opportunities for wildlife protection initiatives.
Education
Corporate Sustainability Certificate -
New York University, Stern School of Business
New York, NY12-2022
B.A. - Global Studies, Environments & Sustainability, Global Studies in Education
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA05-2018
Skills
- Marketing and communications
- End-to-end grantmaking
- Sustainability reporting
- Philanthropic strategy
- Research and analysis
- Data-driven decision making
- Project management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Relationship management
- Impact storytelling and brand alignment
Awards And Publications
- UVA Green Initiative Funding Tomorrow (GIFT) Grant, 03/15, Awarded $2,000 to implement the 'Green Athletics Project'.
- Sustainable Urban Water Supply Article, 02/18, Co-Author of 'Assessing the Sustainability of Urban Water Supply Systems'.
Timeline
Manager - Sustainability & Philanthropy
Tiffany & Co.
12.2021 - Current
Development Assistant
MDRC
03.2019 - 12.2021
Intern
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
05.2016 - 08.2016
Corporate Sustainability Certificate -
New York University, Stern School of Business
B.A. - Global Studies, Environments & Sustainability, Global Studies in Education
University of Virginia