Erin Zeller, Institutional Giving Manager

Erin is the Institutional Giving Manager at Maine Coast Heritage Trust, where she fosters foundation and corporate partnerships in support of conserving and stewarding Maine’s coast. She brings more than a decade of nonprofit development experience, with a focus on institutional fundraising, relationship-building, and mission-driven strategy.

Prior to joining MCHT, Erin worked at Trust for Public Land, where she engaged a large portfolio of foundations and corporations to support land protection and greenspace creation work throughout New England. She has also served as a Program Officer at a philanthropic foundation in New Jersey, where she advised on grantmaking decisions in the environment, education, and health funding dockets, and as an Adaptive Outdoor Recreation Program Coordinator and AmeriCorps Volunteer in Juneau, AK.

Erin previously served as Events Manager at MCHT, creating mission-driven experiences that connected supporters directly to conserved lands and coastal communities. She holds a Master’s of Public Policy degree in nonprofit management from Rutgers University and brings a deep appreciation for the power of philanthropy to uphold the places, communities, and partnerships that define Maine.

Erin lives in Midcoast Maine and spends most of her time exploring the outdoors with friends, fawning over her beloved cats (Toki and Buster), and trying out new recipes using as many ingredients as possible from her amateur backyard garden.

On Land Conservation: Throughout my career, I’ve been motivated to work in conservation because I’ve experienced firsthand how access, or lack of access, to nature influences our communities, our cultural heritages, our climate, and our individual well-being. Protecting Maine’s woods and waters isn’t just about preserving beauty — it’s about ensuring that current and future generations inherit a place that is resilient, welcoming, and whole. I’m grateful to contribute to this work that is both deeply practical and profoundly hopeful.”

On the Job: Erin cultivates and stewards foundation and corporate partnerships that advance MCHT’s strategic priorities. She works across departments to align funding strategy with on-the-ground impact, ensuring partners are meaningfully connected to the landscapes and communities their support sustains.