About Us

GiveForward is a privately held social venture started by two people who had the idea that they could change the world by making it super-duper easy for people to raise money online for the things they care about. 

Our Philosophy

We believe that everyone has the ability to change someone's world. Whether you're a small non-profit raising funds to build a school in Africa, an individual running a race to raise money for your favorite charity, or just chipping in so your neighbor can pay for unexpected medical expenses, your efforts can make someone's life a lot better. Our goal at GiveForward is help as many people as possible by providing an easy-to-use tool that makes it simple to raise money online no matter what your cause might be.

Our Story

Desiree Vargas, Co-Founder and President

Half Costa Rican half Kansas Citian, Desiree graduated from Yale University with B.A. in Latin American Studies in 2004.  Prior to launching GiveForward, she worked as a specialist in collegiate entrepreneurship at the Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City and as an independent consultant for Arabella Philanthropic Investment Advisors.  She is passionate about philanthropy and the role that young and small-scale donors can have on our communities. When not working, she spends her time inventing new recipes that don't always work, walking her golden retriever, Ellie, and going to Zumba.  Desiree likes Hangar One, cheese, and kicking Ethan's butt in bar trivia.

Ethan Austin, Co-Founder and Second Banana

Originally from Southern California, Ethan graduated from Emory University in 2004 with a B.A. in political science and holds a J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law where he was member of the Law Review. When he is not at GiveForward, Ethan can typically be found scouring the aisles of Trader Joe's for something deliciously microwavable or training for marathons in his banana costume.  He volunteers for Imerman Angels, a cancer-support organization and also serves on the steering committee for Climate Cycle, a Chicago-based environmental non-profit that helps put solar panels on Chicago public schools. Ethan is licensed to practice law in California. He likes fish tacos, costume parties and the ice water at Chipotle. 

Our Super-ridiculously awesome Interns

Wanna work for us?  Send your resume to info@giveforward.org

Advisory Board

Joe Baker
Senior Director of Advocacy at Care2.com - Joe Baker's bio

Bruce Boyd
Principal, Arabella Philanthropic Advisors - Bruce Boyd's bio

Judith Cone
Vice President of Emerging Strategies, Kauffman Foundation - Judith Cone's bio

Scott Drews
Founder, Source Marketing Solutions - Scott Drews' bio

Kate O'Malley
President, KO Strategies - Kate O'Malley's bio

Susan Silver
President, Argentum Strategy Group - Susan Silver's bio