Jake DeMoe wears many hats. By day, he is a fundraiser who has worked with The Nature Conservancy, the Environmental Defense Fund, and UC Berkeley’s College of Engineering. By night, he is a drummer who performs with a band named Corner Pocket. In October, 2024, he added the roles of President of the Berkeley Lab Foundation and Chief Development Officer of Berkeley Lab. The Development Office works collaboratively with prospective funders and Berkeley Lab staff to ensure that philanthropic funds are brought into the Lab and managed in accordance with all relevant guidelines and rules, while the Foundation is a separate 501(c)3 organization established to give interested supporters another way to work with the Lab.

Several people in a band, one playing drums and another a guitar.

Jake DeMoe, right, with his band Corner Pocket, playing at the No Name Bar in Sausalito. Credit: Sam Huff

Elements recently caught up with Jake to find out more.


What is the role of philanthropy at an institution like Berkeley Lab?

The vast majority of the Lab’s funding comes from DOE and government agencies, but philanthropic funds can provide needed support for new research areas, or even seed capital to help underwrite transitions from early research to the next stages. These projects may have the potential to make a big impact but don’t currently have other funding streams in place. Our role is to help both researchers and donors meet their objectives.

Philanthropy is unique to each philanthropist. It’s a way for them to express their values and to make a meaningful difference. I have noticed that donors want to be close to the work, and to the people leading that work. They tend to first fund interesting projects, and over time their interest in the institution’s overarching priorities grows as they get to know its unique needs and capabilities.

Most donors invest in people, similar to the way venture capitalists like to invest in talent. What the Development Office can do is to provide execution support, for example, working with donors and their staff to formally solicit gifts, developing concept notes, and providing briefings and stewardship updates to donors on milestones and successes. The relationships between researchers and donors is extremely important, and the Development Office can help make them even stronger.

How have you been ramping up in your new role at Berkeley Lab?

I’ve met with many people in the Directorate, as well as Area and User Facility staff. I am usually at the Hill site in person two or three days a week, and enjoy meeting with people in person. I’m anxious to get out fundraising and introducing funders to the amazing work of the Lab, but first I need to understand the governance aspects of philanthropy at the Lab. As president of the Berkeley Lab Foundation, it’s my responsibility  to ensure the Foundation stays on strong footing from a financial, legal, and policy standpoint, for example, by understanding the differences between gifts and sponsored awards and how those determinations impact donors, the Lab, and UC.

How should Lab employees work with you and your team?

I hope that Lab employees will think of us any time they come across funders who are interested in supporting the work of the Lab. We have a lot of experience, we can provide guidance, and because there are restrictions on how Lab employees can spend their time, we can advance donor giving and relationships with donors in ways that Lab employees cannot.

In many ways, my role at the Lab is similar to being a drummer in my band. In my band, the vocalists and guitarists can take center stage while I keep the band synched up and in time, moving forward together. I like playing that role – ensuring that it all comes together to make amazing music.

Lab scientists and staff interested in seeking support from philanthropists should contact the Berkeley Lab Foundation or the Office of the Chief Development Officer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *