Robert Ashcraft

Robert Ashcraft is a Professor at Arizona State University (ASU), serving as the Executive Director and Saguaro Professor of Civic Enterprise at the Lodestar Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Innovation. He is affiliated with the School of Community Resources & Development (SCRD) within the Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions and holds the title of Senior Global Futures Scholar at the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Arizona State University
  • M.A., Northern Arizona University
  • Bachelor's, University of Arizona
  • Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional (ACNP), Nonprofit Leadership Alliance

His research and teaching focus on nonprofit management, philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, volunteer management, and collaboration strategies. He has pioneered nonprofit education models and secured over $60 million in external funding for ASU's nonprofit and philanthropy programs.

His publications highlight trends in nonprofit education, volunteerism, and strategic human resource management. Research projects include leadership programs with American Express, rural capacity building, and state-level collaboration training for public service initiatives.

Scientific Awards:

• Nonprofit Times Power and Influence Top 50 (2017)

Professional Leadership Roles:

• Founding Executive Director, ASU Lodestar Center
• President (former), Nonprofit Academic Centers Council
• Senior Policy Advisor, American Red Cross National Office of Volunteers
• Board roles: Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership, National Association of Park Foundations

Professional Memberships:

• Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA)
• International Society of Third Sector Research (ISTR)
• Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)