Wende Burton is Chief Philanthropy Officer, overseeing and supervising all of CFT’s grantmaking activities and staff. She leads CFT’s focus on economic security for working families through the Working Families Success model, workforce and employment programs, and child savings accounts. Wende also leads CFT’s disaster philanthropy efforts, including support through North Texas Cares, providing emergency funding in response to COVID-19.

Prior to joining CFT in 2013, Wende spent more than a decade working with public and private organizations as a project manager, business analyst and organizational development consultant, helping businesses create and implement better processes to work more strategically. Wende also has extensive experience and interest in education, working as an English and theater teacher and developing effective training programs to support adult learners both in her corporate and CFT experience. Wende believes education is an asset and one of the most important factors for achieving economic mobility.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in English, theater and secondary education from Doane University.

Community Leadership / Board Service

Wende received the 2018 president's award from the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce and was named to the Dallas Innovates list of "2018 Movers and Shakers: North Texas Social Innovators You Should Know." She currently sits on the Community Economic Advisory Committee for United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and on the board of the Irving Family YMCA, where she was named volunteer of the year in 2018. Wende also serves as the national co-chair of the Asset Funders Network (AFN). 

In 2022, Wende recieved the Ahsan Family Award from the Texas Muslim Women's Foundation. 

Joined CFT

2010

Favorite Aspect of CFT

"Working closely with nonprofits to help them have greater impact."

Favorite Quote

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

— Margaret Mead