Tom DeCaigny

Tom DeCaigny is a Program Officer in Performing Arts at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. He manages a diverse portfolio of grants that support communities, artists, and youth throughout the Bay Area, with a particular focus on arts education policy and advocacy. He also leads the program’s efforts to ensure that California takes full advantage of the Arts and Music in Schools Act (Proposition 28), which provides approximately $1 billion annually for arts education instruction in schools.

Tom brings more than 20 years of accomplished leadership in grantmaking, policy, and advocacy to his role. Prior to joining the foundation in 2023, he served as the executive director of Create CA, a statewide organization that ensures every California student receives a quality arts education. Previously, he was executive director of the California Alliance for Arts Education, which merged with Create CA in 2021.

Earlier in his career, Tom served eight years as the director of cultural affairs for the City and County of San Francisco, where he led the San Francisco Arts Commission. In that role, he directed citywide cultural policy, oversaw over $15 million in grantmaking, and championed efforts to advance arts and culture. He also served as executive director of long-time Hewlett Foundation grantee Performing Arts Workshop for more than a decade.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Tom holds a bachelor’s degree in dramatic arts and directing from Macalester College. He currently serves on the board of the San Francisco Community Investment Fund and as an advisor to the World Cities Culture Forum. He is also a member of the Proposition 28 Implementation Advisory Council, which supports the rollout of the Arts and Music in Schools Act, and the California Creative Economy Workgroup. Tom resides with his partner in the Excelsior neighborhood of San Francisco.