Madeline Tomseth is a Strategic Impact Partner at Niveau Philanthropy, an active member for the Women’s Donor Network, Board member at SVP, and is an Executive Coach-in-training with the Hudson Institute. Madeline’s work focuses on dismantling barriers that limit opportunity, empowering individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential.
Madeline is a 4th-generation family member and former owner of Les Schwab Tire Centers, a leading regional tire and automotive service provider. Balancing her business acumen with her creative passion, Madeline also founded a successful recipe development and food styling business, collaborating with brands like KitchenAid, Bob’s Red Mill, and Starbucks for over 13 years. Following the sale of the family business, Madeline embarked on a personal journey of values alignment, founding Niveau Philanthropy, a donor-advised fund focused on food security, human resources, and climate action. She now actively engages as a coach, donor, volunteer, and consultant within the nonprofit and social enterprise sectors, leveraging her diverse business experience to support organizations making a positive impact. She’s also a steering committee member of the community foundation’s Women’s Philanthropy Group. Learn more about Madeline, her philanthropy, her vision for Boulder County, and what she values most about the Women’s Philanthropy Group.
What would you like to share about how you engage in philanthropy?
I approach philanthropy as a lifelong student, recognizing I’ll always be learning. I prioritize creating lasting and trusting partnerships with organizations. Boulder County has so many incredible organizations doing essential work to support our community. I love working alongside these organizations to learn, dismantle barriers, and provide unrestricted support that allows for flexibility and adaptability. Our world is dynamic, and nonprofits don’t have a crystal ball. Unrestricted funding acknowledges the reality that organizations also need to be dynamic and empowers leaders to make decisions that drive impact. I also place a high value on continuous learning and open communication, exemplified by a commitment to asking, “What do you need and what can I do better?”
What has felt most helpful to you about your participation in the Women’s Philanthropy Group?
For me, the most valuable aspect of the Women’s Philanthropy Group is the opportunity for collective action and collaborative learning. Each member brings unique perspectives and strengths, and as a relatively new donor, I’ve found it incredibly helpful to learn from and alongside this group of women. Leveraging our individual strengths and lived experiences fosters collective growth and action. While I can act on my own, it’s the power of collective action in supporting our community that truly excites me.
What do you see as the potential for the Women’s Philanthropy Group?
I believe donors have the potential to serve as catalysts for systemic change. By engaging, learning, and remaining curious, we can move away from traditional philanthropic practices and create more collaborative approaches to address immediate community needs. Rooted in values that advance equity, shift power, and build mutually accountable relationships, this group can become a powerful force for positive change. Now more than ever, nonprofits need our community’s support. The need to pivot is the norm, not the exception.
What is your vision for the future of Boulder County?
My vision for the future of Boulder County, and broader communities, is one of sustainable, equitable, and culturally enriching societies. I envision a future where we emphasize building community resilience, supporting nonprofit leaders, and deepening community ties. I believe wealth and power should be used to challenge systems of inequality, and that donors and nonprofits can work together to create a more just and whole world.
Anything else you would like to share?
I view philanthropy as a process of continuous evolution and learning. I’m committed to understanding how we, as donors, can become more informed, embrace complexity, and prioritize building trust and fostering collaboration. It’s my hope that philanthropy continues to shift towards a more equitable and just distribution of power and resources, and that we use philanthropy to create lasting, systemic change.
