What I Brought Home from Arequipa, Peru Hello from sunny San Antonio! I hope you’ll give me a few moments to share an experience that has stayed very close to my heart since returning from Arequipa, Peru, where I spent
Building Relationships That Lead to Transformational Gifts If you don’t ask, someone else will. It isn’t a scare tactic. It’s simply the reality of philanthropy: every donor is capable of a transformational gift. The only real question is whether the
A number, a date, a point in time, a memory. This is not the story; it is my story. There are thousands, if not millions, of others who could pen their memories, and all would be equally valuable. As Alan
Best Practices for Recruitment, Retention, and Recognition Volunteers are more than helping hands. They are the heart of every nonprofit. Their time, skills, and passion fuel missions, strengthen communities, and create a lasting impact. Building a thriving volunteer program requires
Celebrating the Nonprofit Sector’s Role in America’s 250-Year Journey As we approach July 4th this year, the United States is hitting a massive milestone: its 250th birthday. Cue the fireworks, the parades, and the inevitable historical deep-dives. But while the
A Mid-Year Checkup for Nonprofit Leaders Midway through the year, most nonprofit leaders are running on caffeine, commitment, and the faint memory of what “work-life balance” used to feel like. Strategic plans written for your current fiscal year are now
and the New Vision for the Eastside Since stepping into the role of CEO at San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside (SAGE) in January 2024, James Nortey has become a pivotal force in reshaping the narrative of one of the city’s most culturally
Connecting Donors to Your Mission with Emotional Resonance I will never forget the moment I watched a KSAT interview where a 16-year-old named Lenae Sage looked into the camera and said with quiet conviction, “This program has been one of
The Power of Data in Nonprofits No one knows your mission better than you do. The work you are doing in the community is purpose-driven and valuable. Your mission exists because there was a need, and your organization stepped forward
Denise E. Bennett
Consultant
As a specialized writer of grants, policies, procedures and well-told stories, Denise’s career spans more than 35 years of for-profit and nonprofit experience in the medical, banking and social services professions. Her financial acuity and love of writing led her to a successful career in grant writing and nonprofit fundraising. Denise has significant experience in fund development, grant writing and management, as well as operations oversight for a variety of nonprofit organizations. An achievement-focused innovator, she is a strong collaborator and strategic thinker, able to resolve workplace challenges. Denise is a graduate of Belmont University and has an MBA from Keller School of Management.
M. Leslie Palmer
Founding Principal | Managing Consultant
With decades of for-profit and nonprofit experience, Leslie shares her expertise and partners with other strong practitioners to help grow the capacity and success of the nonprofit community. Leslie brings practical experience to clients, having served on numerous boards of nonprofit organizations. Leslie has significant experiences on the other side of the table, as well, having worked in leadership and management for organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio, American Red Cross, City Year San Antonio and World Affairs Council of San Antonio. Leslie is a dedicated maven, leader, and perceptor who strives to embolden clients to achieve their goals. Originally from Newport, RI, Leslie is a graduate of Villanova University.