For Heather McLeod Grant, a philanthropy expert from Silicon Valley and an alum of both Harvard and Stanford, the University of Cambridge Better Futures Programme has opened a new chapter of intellectual discovery and purposeful reinvention. Now living in Cambridge, she is using her time in the programme to explore the future of philanthropy, build new collaborations, and reflect on what meaningful impact looks like at this stage of her career.
A New Chapter in Cambridge
Despite her Silicon Valley roots, Heather’s career has been shaped far more by philanthropy and social impact than by the tech sector itself.
“I’ve been working with high tech donors on their philanthropy, helping them think about how to use their wealth for public good.”
Having founded several nonprofit startups, she and her husband, now a visiting fellow at Trinity Hall College, reached a natural pivot point in their mid 50s. They began asking how they wanted to shape the next chapter of their professional lives. Initially, they explored midcareer programmes in the US, similar to those at her alma maters Harvard and Stanford. But a move to Cambridge and the launch of the Better Futures Programme shifted everything.
“When I learned this programme was starting, and that it was modelled on the Harvard and Stanford programmes, I thought this is perfect. I’m going to apply.”
Expanding Perspectives on Philanthropy and Purpose
Heather joined with a clear initial goal: to research women and philanthropy, a longstanding area of professional passion.
“I wanted to dig into what women are doing with their wealth, look at the data, do interviews, and write about it. Cambridge felt like the perfect place to step back and explore.”
Once in Cambridge, her inquiry began to expand. She met experts across the Cambridge ecosystem who helped her see broader possibilities, including a bold new idea: reviving a philanthropy centre at the University.
“As I started learning about what was happening, not in fundraising, but in helping donors think about public impact, I realised there was an opportunity. I’ve met donors who are interested. We’re now exploring what it could look like.”
The emerging project aims to convene philanthropists, support their learning, and help build a stronger culture of philanthropy across Europe.
“In the US, philanthropy is a major part of the culture. Europe has enormous strengths too but this is a moment when private capital could help fill real gaps. A centre could support that shift.”
A Programme Designed to Support Impact
With her background in philanthropy, Heather wanted to understand the programme’s intentions. What she discovered reassured her.
“This isn’t about fundraising or financial motives. The team behind the programme genuinely want to support leaders who are navigating a new phase of their lives. Their goal is to help us grow, contribute, and find the pathway where we can have the greatest impact.”
As she puts it, the programme recognises that many people in mid or later career aren’t looking to slow down, they’re looking to make a significant difference.
A Deep Commitment and a Deep Reward
Heather is clear that the programme’s intensity is part of what makes it transformative.
“It’s a significant commitment and not something to take lightly. We meet for at least 10 hours a week in lectures, plus readings, tutorials, dinners, and meetings. It’s almost fulltime.”
She adjusted her life accordingly:
“I cleared my calendar and paused client work. I’m paying to be here; I want to get everything out of it. If you’re still working full-time, it’s very hard to do both well.”
Her advice to future applicants is straightforward: embrace the experience wholeheartedly.
Immersed in Cambridge’s Intellectual Life
One of the greatest surprises, Heather says, has been becoming part of Cambridge’s collegiate community.
“The colleges aren’t just places you live. They’re thriving, intellectually diverse communities. At dinner you might be sitting next to a chaplain, an astrophysicist, a mathematician, or a sociologist studying AI.”
This cross disciplinary exchange has been invigorating.
“That mix: different ages, cultures, ideas is where innovation happens. And it’s unlike anything I experienced at Harvard or Stanford.”
The programme has made these interactions part of daily life, giving participants rare access to leading scholars across the University.
Looking Ahead with Purpose and Possibility
Just months into the programme, Heather describes the experience as transformative.
“The opportunities, the conversations, the access; it’s far more than I ever expected. It’s helping me shape what I want to do next, and how I can have the greatest impact.”
Find your purpose with the Better Futures Programme