Toby Cavalier (he/him) is a Senior Associate on the Strategy and Programs team at Third Plateau, where he helps philanthropists and nonprofits identify and make high-leverage investments in science and innovation, democracy, and climate — connecting funders with the practitioners and researchers doing the work.

At Third Plateau, Toby leads the firm’s AI working group, developing internal AI policy and piloting new applications for the firm and its clients. He led the development of the US Democracy Hub, an Anthem Award–winning data platform for civil society, and has built and managed a new climate funders group focused on durable, pragmatic climate solutions. Earlier in his tenure, he served as Chief of Staff to Mike Berkowitz, Co-Founder and Principal of Third Plateau. Before joining the firm, Toby conducted field research on environmental issues impacting public health in India, South Africa, and Brazil, and studied peace-building initiatives in Israel and the West Bank. He holds a B.A. in Biology from Swarthmore College.

Toby lives in San Francisco and spends his free time reading sci-fi, making and playing music, swimming in cold water, and watching movies.