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A Proud Father of Two, Nebraska Cornhusker, and Dedicated Fundraiser, Now Director, Strategic Partnerships at Buffett Early Childhood Fund: Meet Eric Buchanan
As we honor Black History Month, we highlight Eric Buchanan, whose life and leadership reflect resilience, service, and a deep commitment to community. Rooted in family, shaped by perseverance, and guided by compassion, Eric’s journey underscores the power of education, relationships, and collective action to expand opportunity. His work advancing early childhood systems across Nebraska reflects a legacy of leadership grounded in dignity, responsibility, and the belief that every child deserves a strong start.
Tell us about your personal journey.
I was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and grew up primarily in Overland Park, Kansas. My father, Buck Buchanan, played professional football for the Kansas City Chiefs and is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. My mother, Elizabeth Buchanan, grew up in DeQuincy, Louisiana, and was trained as an elementary school teacher. My parents met at Grambling University.
I grew up with many privileges, but also with real instability. My parents divorced. My father did the best he could, but was not always present. My mother worked hard to support my brother, sister, and me. We were the first Black family in our neighborhood. While much of that experience was largely positive, it was the early 1960s, and there were moments of racism and isolation.
Books became my refuge. My mother encouraged my love of reading. She was a reader herself and always had books around the house. I spent many hours in the school library. Browsing independent book stores is something I very much enjoy today.
I came to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln on a football scholarship, struggled to find my footing, eventually left football, and dropped out of school. I spent several years in the food and beverage industry, where I learned how to talk to people from every background and gained confidence.
I later found my way back to the University of Nebraska Foundation as an intern, completed my degree, and began a long career in fundraising. In 2013, I was recruited to join the Buffett Early Childhood Fund. That move changed my life. Today, I help build partnerships that invest in early childhood systems across Nebraska, supporting initiatives like Educare schools, the Sixpence Early Learning Fund, Lincoln Littles, and cross-sector efforts that blend public and private dollars to expand access to quality early care and education programs.
I am also a father of two sons, I am deeply proud of: Jack, who is building a life as an artist and writer in New York City, and Davis, who is entering the business world and discovering his own path.
I have also experienced profound loss. My wife died after a difficult illness. During that time, I witnessed moments of extraordinary humanity from her caregivers, family, friends and colleagues who showed compassion not because they had to, but because they chose to. That experience deepened my belief that dignity and kindness matter, especially in systems meant to care for people.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
Becoming a parent. Losing my wife. Seeing how early investment can change outcomes for children. And watching Nebraska communities come together, providers, school districts, state agencies, philanthropy, and business leaders, to solve hard problems collectively.
What are the most valuable lessons you've learned?
Relationships are everything. Systems change is slow. You don’t need a perfect path to make a meaningful contribution. Listening builds more trust than talking. Leaders aren’t always the loudest people in the room, nurture leaders who keep showing up but may need space for their voice to be heard.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
A sense of duty shaped by watching my parents navigate hardship with dignity. I want everyone to have a real opportunity to thrive. Philanthropy gives us a unique vantage point; we can take risks, bridge sectors, bring people together and help align resources toward long-term solutions.
What are your highest hopes for democracy?
I believe deeply in “small d” democracy, people shaping systems and government, not the other way around. Everyday citizens are the most important pillar of our democracy. The greatest danger is anytime voices are restricted or people are prevented from exercising their First Amendment rights of free speech.
How can GlobalMindED support leaders like yourself?
By elevating practitioner voices, fostering cross-sector relationships, and creating spaces for honest learning and collaboration. I also value leadership development opportunities like Career Pathways, which push me to keep growing.
Contact Eric Buchanan:
LinkedIn
Organization Website
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