About Julia Foster

Julia Foster is a fundraiser, strategist, and former performer who believes that courage and connection are the foundations of every successful campaign — and every thriving leader. With more than two decades guiding nonprofit teams and boards toward ambitious goals, she combines tactical expertise with the empathy and artistry she first honed on stage. Her work helps organizations and individuals alike find clarity, confidence, and courage in the way they lead, give, and grow.

Throughout her 20+ years in fundraising, Julia has led multimillion-dollar campaigns and inspired teams to reach ambitious goals — not only through strategy, but through the art of human connection. Julia successfully ran a $72 million capital campaign for Segerstrom Center for the Arts (SCFTA) and met or exceeded annual fundraising goals at La Jolla Playhouse, Irvine Barclay Theatre, SCFTA and the Vail Valley Foundation (which operates the Vilar Center for the Arts and the Vail International Dance Festival), while leading teams of up to 18 people covering all fundraising channels. She has worked with boards of up to 50 people, guiding committees and providing volunteers with valuable fundraising tools.

Before she raised millions for the arts, Julia was on the stage herself — a dancer and performer who learned early that courage and collaboration make every great performance possible. She was a soloist with the Erick Hawkins Dance Company, with whom she performed at the Joyce Theater, the American Dance Festival (ADF) and Jacob’s Pillow. She also danced for choreographers including Douglas Dunn, Mariko Tanabe, Gloria McLean, and Nancy Meehan and taught modern dance at the Hawkins studio, ADF, UNLV and Jacob’s Pillow. Julia has performed around the country in touring and regional musical theater productions and was a member of the Brooklyn Philharmonia Chorus. She has also worked in television, film, industrials and voiceovers.

Her MBA from Chapman University deepened her passion for blending creativity with strategy — a theme that runs through every facet of her work. While achieving her undergraduate degree in dance from Washington University in St. Louis, she gained insight into all aspects of artistic performance, production and management.

As a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Julia has demonstrated a level of excellence in fundraising knowledge, and a commitment to continuing education in the field. She is a proud member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and upholds the tenets and values of their Code of Ethics and Donor Bill of Rights, including confidentiality, empathy and care.