Kristi Poling is an independent consultant and founder of Poling Consulting, specializing in supporting philanthropic and nonprofit organizations to rethink their approaches and implement innovative strategies. With a focus on trust-based philanthropy, she helps foundations envision and operationalize grantmaking, and review and refine their strategies. Kristi also collaborates with nonprofits to explore new ideas and research solutions. Since founding Poling Consulting in 2022, Kristi has led several impactful projects, including conducting research and strategy review, working on an investor's primer for arts and culture-driven impact investing, and facilitating executive searches for key cultural organizations. Before launching her consulting practice, Kristi was the Program Director at The Barra Foundation. Kristi holds a law degree from Rutgers University School of Law – Camden and an undergraduate degree from Temple University. She serves on the boards of Hedgerow Theatre and Tiny WPA.  She can often be found exploring the outdoors and the cultural offerings of new places.