Director of Development & Communications

Email: blware@woodstockinst.org
Phone: O (312) 368-0310 x2023 |
C (224) 240-5025

Barbara Lacker-Ware joined Woodstock Institute as Development Director in 2021. She plans and implements comprehensive fundraising strategies to support the Institute’s mission, research, data analysis and advocacy campaigns. Barbara leads proposal design, development and reporting for grant-funded programs, cultivates and manages funder relationships and collaborates with community partners.

During her previous decades working with several nonprofit organizations in Rochester, NY, and Chicago, IL, Barbara has served in the roles of Development Director and Grant Coordinator to support housing, health, and education programs. Over her career, she has raised millions of dollars from government sources, private foundations, corporations and individuals to support the mission of nonprofit organizations.

Barbara is very involved in racial justice and anti-racism work and was named Activist of the Year by Metro Justice in 2017 for her efforts to establish a Police Accountability Board in Rochester, NY. Barbara holds a Master of Divinity degree from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School and a Bachelors’ degree from the University of Michigan. She has received credentials as a Certified Fund Raising Executive.