Meredith Morris

Meredith Morris is a philanthropy and partnerships leader serving as senior director of strategic philanthropy (planet) at the XPRIZE Foundation, a nonprofit organization that designs and operates large-scale incentive competitions to drive breakthrough innovation. In this role, Morris focuses on the intersection of innovative ideas and strategic funding, working to mobilize philanthropists, foundations, and corporations around significant environmental challenges. At COP30, Morris discussed opportunities to address humanity's toughest challenges through scalable breakthroughs, emphasizing that XPRIZE invites global innovators to transform ambitious ideas into lasting impact for people and the planet.

Morris has a diverse background in philanthropy, nonprofit consulting, and partnership development. Before joining XPRIZE, she consulted for nonprofits, companies, and individuals through her advisory practice, 23rd Hour. Previously, she led partnerships for Rise, a project between Schmidt Futures and The Rhodes Trust, where she developed collaborations with organizations such as the NBA, Teach for America, United World Colleges, and We Are Family Foundation. Morris also spent a significant portion of her career at Dow, holding roles in global citizenship, executive communications, site issues management, and sustainability communications. She led initiatives focused on STEM education, workforce development, and equity, diversity, and inclusion, partnering with organizations including FIRST, Project Lead the Way, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Earlier in her career, Morris worked at the Clinton Global Initiative, managing sponsorships with major corporations, foundations, and philanthropists. This experience provided her with a strong foundation in high-impact giving and cross-sector collaboration. Morris graduated with honors in political science from UCLA, and her academic background in political systems and global affairs supports her ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments across industries and regions.

Morris is recognized in the fields of climate philanthropy and innovation. Her work at XPRIZE positions her at the intersection of science, funding, and systemic change, making her a relevant figure for audiences interested in environmental impact, strategic giving, and the role of incentive-driven innovation in addressing global challenges.