Bruce Esterline

Bruce Esterline is a long-serving executive at The Meadows Foundation, where he has been the Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Grants since November 1983.2 With over 40 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Esterline has played a significant role in shaping philanthropy in Texas.1

At The Meadows Foundation, Esterline is responsible for managing a grants budget of approximately $20 million annually. He oversees the grants review process, provides recommendations to the President/CEO and Board of Directors, and manages the administration of over 200 individual grants each year. Additionally, he develops and updates strategic plans for the Foundation's key initiatives in Mental Health, Public Education, and the Environment.2

Prior to joining The Meadows Foundation, Esterline founded and served as Executive Director of the Corporate Child Development Fund for Texas from 1978 to 1983.2 He also worked as Associate Director at the Office of Early Childhood Development from 1971 to 1978.2

Esterline's contributions to philanthropy have been widely recognized. In 2023, he received the Pillar of Philanthropy award from Philanthropy Southwest, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to the sector, particularly in mental health and the creation of the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute.1

Esterline holds a Bachelor's degree in History from Stanford University and a Master of Public Affairs from The University of Texas at Austin - The LBJ School of Public Affairs.2