Lauren Saunders

Lauren Saunders serves as director of philanthropy for Everyman Theatre in Baltimore, bringing over a decade of experience spanning from grassroots arts service organizations to renowned cultural institutions. With a comprehensive understanding of the nonprofit arts ecosystem, she champions the transformative power of the arts and is dedicated to fostering vibrant, sustainable cultural communities.

Prior to joining Everyman Theatre, Lauren served as director of development and membership at the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance (GBCA), where she spearheaded both earned and contributed revenue strategies, providing over 120 organizations in the Greater Baltimore region with access to vital resources and networks. Her tenure as director of individual giving for Pittsburgh Public Theater showcased her ability to navigate unique challenges, as she successfully steered fundraising efforts through the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening donor relationships and amplifying the theatre's impact through compelling storytelling.

Lauren's arts leadership is informed by her background as a theatre practitioner. For five years, she was an ensemble member with Single Carrot Theatre, where she devised, directed, and performed in new plays. She has also employed her holistic, data-informed approach to fundraising, philanthropy, and programming through work with City of Asylum, Manhattan Theatre Club, Maryland Humanities, and Theatre Communications Group.

Lauren holds a master in arts management from Carnegie Mellon University and a B.A. in theatre from Goucher College.