Our Vision
Levine Impact Lab is a 501(c)3 nonprofit
EIN: 93-4925946
Peter Levine’s belief in trust-based philanthropy led to the creation of the Levine Impact Lab, which invests in both individual and organizational development in order to accelerate positive change.
The Lab embodies this idea through Peter’s robust commitment, which includes not only a significant multi-year financial gift but also his pledge to advise grantees, connect them with his broad network of business contacts, and help strengthen their organizations’ operations. The Lab also empowers the organizations and networks it fosters to amplify those groups’ stories.
The inaugural cohort of the Lab was incubated at the Honnold Foundation. The Honnold Foundation partners with marginalized communities to expand equitable solar energy access.
Peter Levine
Peter Levine, currently a general partner at venture-capital firm a16z, brings to the Lab nearly three decades’ experience with leading businesses and investing. Originally a software engineer, he rose to senior vice president and general manager of the data center and cloud division at Citrix before turning to VC investing. His leadership experience and belief in “the CEO as cultural epicenter” shapes the Lab’s focus on sharpening individuals’ skills; likewise his commitment to open-source software has informed the Lab’s intention to create and share a framework that demonstrates new models of independence, resilience, and growth for the nonprofit sector.
Nellie Barrett
Nellie Barrett (she/they) serves as the Lab’s Program Director. In this role, she is responsible for guiding the Lab’s curriculum and closely engaging with grant partners to help them meet their individual and organizational goals. Nellie specializes in using inclusive, collaborative methods to design programs that build organizational capacity. From working alongside public library workers to grassroots environmental justice leaders, their work has been recognized at the local and national level. Nellie holds a bachelor's degree in women’s and gender studies and is currently pursuing their master’s in public policy.
Gary Levine
Gary brings to the Lab more than 20 years of leadership experience owning and running a business. He has realized success and growth challenges in many facets of his company, including operations, finance/budgeting, marketing and organizational planning. "It's the challenging times that enable us to grow, when we can step back to see the bigger picture and realize there is more than one way to get to our goal." Gary's passion for learning and problem-solving are his greatest assets as he steps into his role as Executive Director of the Lab and, along with his close connection to his brother Peter, is excited about the possibilities the Lab can offer to our cohort organizations and the non-profit community.
Chani Krech
Chani Krech joined the Lab in Spring 2024 as MBA Consulting Intern. Chani is currently an MBA candidate in the Sustainable Innovation MBA Program at the University of Vermont. Upon graduation in August, she hopes to pursue a career that has a positive environmental and social impact. She has curiosity and enthusiasm for the clean energy transition, conservation, and community building. Chani has experience working in the nonprofit sector and for small businesses in Vermont. She enjoys outdoor activities with her dog, traveling, and insightful conversation.
Why Now
The climate crisis brings increasing emergencies, especially for the vulnerable and underserved populations that feel the worst of its effects. But it is in these places where we find inspired, motivated leaders driven to make change. And moments of crisis bring opportunities to shed old models, to embrace ingenuity. The Lab brings its deep business and nonprofit experience, as well as a willingness to listen and learn, to these grassroots leaders and communities. Because intersecting perspectives amplify our impact and light a new, better, and more equitable way forward.
A Better World
The Lab partners with organizations and leaders that emerge from the communities they serve. Using a foundation of open and trusting relationships, we support those organizations’ resilience to help them achieve their goals. We tailor our process to the needs of every project and are unafraid to rethink philanthropic convention in service of realizing big potential. By changing the narratives of environmental and social justice, we want to make life more equitable and help communities flourish around the world.
To learn more about our mission, programs, and philosophy, please visit our FAQ page.
In The News
“Merging Trust-Based Philanthropy and VC-Style Support to Help Communities Bloom”
Inside Philanthropy
"Why Venture Capitalists Should Invest In Nonprofits”
Fast Company, Peter Levine
“Famed A16Z VC Peter Levine has donated $5 million to bring startup and company building to climate non-profits”
Business Insider