About us

CONNECTED Philanthropy

At Connected Philanthropy, we understand that nonprofit organizations face a wide range of challenges in achieving their missions. That’s why we offer specialized consulting services to support your organization’s fund development, strategic planning, board training, retreat planning and facilitation, fiscal audits and financial management, program design and evaluation, and staff coaching and mentorship.

Our experienced consultants can work with your team to develop strategic plans that align with your organization’s mission and values and outlines a clear path for achieving your goals. We can also provide guidance and training to your board of directors, helping them to understand their roles and responsibilities, and empowering them to effectively govern and support your organization.

Our Founder

JULIANA SCHIRMER

As the founder of Connected Philanthropy, I am driven by a deep sense of purpose to empower nonprofits and help them achieve their goals. With over 25 years of experience in the field, I have seen firsthand the tremendous impact that these organizations can have on their communities and beyond.

At Connected Philanthropy, we believe that every nonprofit deserves the support and resources they need to make a real difference in the world. Our mission is to provide expert consulting services that help organizations build capacity, increase their impact, and achieve their goals.

We are committed to working closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and develop customized solutions that are tailored to their specific challenges and opportunities. We believe in the power of collaboration and partnership, and we work closely with our clients to build strong relationships based on trust, respect, and shared values.

At Connected Philanthropy, we are driven by a deep passion for social change and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world. We believe that every nonprofit has the potential to create meaningful change, and we are dedicated to helping them do so. Together, we can build a better world for all

Juliana Shirmer - Connected Philanthropy

Our Team

Christina Paez - Connected Philanthopy

Christina Paez

Christina Paez is a seasoned philanthropy professional known for her exceptional ability to secure substantial funding and effectively manage diverse projects. She builds robust relationships with key stakeholders and demonstrates meticulous attention to detail. Her skills span grant writing, strategic planning, program evaluation, and technical writing, with a unique proficiency in leveraging GIS and cartography for project enhancement. Christina’s educational background includes a Cartography & GIS Analyst Certificate, a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology, and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, all from the University of New Mexico.

With a track record of raising over $100M for various sectors, including public health, safety, education, environment, and urban development, Christina has significantly boosted grant awards and played a crucial role in primary health initiatives and strategic planning. Her ability to conduct comprehensive assessments and develop strategic plans is evident in her contributions to state health programs. Adept at maintaining and nurturing donor relations, Christina has facilitated key collaborations and coordinated major events, underscoring her versatility and commitment to driving success in philanthropic endeavors.

KAYLIN YOUNG

Kaylin Young is a dedicated researcher, grant writer, and grant manager with a passion for creating innovative programs in behavioral health and community health care. Kaylin graduated from San Jose State University with a bachelor’s in psychology and is working to complete her master’s in research and experimental psychology with a focus on research design and project management. Kaylin has a deep understanding of the complex challenges faced by individuals and communities struggling with mental health issues. Her expertise in program design and grant management has helped organizations secure funding and implement effective solutions to improve access to care and support for those in need. Kaylin’s commitment to making a difference through her work is evident in the impact she has had on the lives of many individuals and families. Kaylin is a skilled project manager with extensive experience in managing competing priorities and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Courtney baxter

Courtney is a passionate marketing and communications professional with over nine years of experience. With experience in higher education, executive leadership, zoology, sports, and entertainment industries, she has led brand strategy for their digital and traditional marketing. She is an expert in social media, search engine optimization, website management, email marketing, influencers, content creation, and direct mail. To execute these tactics, Courtney has insights into tools like customer relationship management systems, email deployment platforms, and social media scheduling.

In December of 2023, she received her Master’s from West Virginia University in Integrated Marketing Communications. As a lifelong learner, Courtney enjoys staying up on current trends and problem-solving challenges! See a few of the packages and specialty area offerings below.

  • Brand Awareness Package with social media and email marketing components.
  • Social Media Toolkit includes digital templates, a starter content calendar, and suggested tools.
  • Audits for overall brand cohesion, content, and social media.

Are you looking for a specific communications and marketing need? Connect with Connected Philanthropy to let’s discover what Courtney can put together to support you!

Collaborators

Tess Reynolds

Board Training and Facilitation, Coaching, Project Consulting,

MAC & Associates
Angie Carmignani

Board and Staff Development, Strategic Planning, Operations

Leslee Owen

Public Relations, Marketing, Podcast Producer, Digital and Video Marketing

Quad Cities Design
Matt Parsons

Premium Websites, Digital Marketing, Search Engine Optimization

Mary Grace Gomilla

Marketing and Communications, Graphic Design

Core Values

Connected Philanthropy demonstrates a commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive society. These values reflect a desire to address systemic inequalities and work towards a more just and equitable world. Through client empowerment, inclusivity, and accountability, Connected Philanthropy seeks to build authentic and collaborative relationships with our clients and stakeholders, and drive positive change that benefits all communities.

Client Empowerment

At Connected Philanthropy, we are committed to client empowerment by prioritizing the unique needs and perspectives of the individuals and communities we serve. We aim to build authentic and collaborative relationships with our clients, providing them with the resources and tools necessary to make informed decisions and create sustainable change. We believe that client empowerment is essential to building equitable and just systems.

Inclusivity

Connected Philanthropy values inclusivity in all aspects of our work. This means actively seeking out and engaging with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences to better inform our strategies and solutions. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and respected. We understand that diversity is a strength that can drive innovation and creativity in our work.

Excellence

At Connected Philanthropy, we strive for excellence in all our endeavors. We hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards of integrity, quality, and professionalism. We recognize that excellence is not just about the quality of our work, but also about how we treat others and the impact we have on the world. We are committed to continuously learning, growing, and improving to ensure that we are providing the best possible service to our clients and communities.

Our Mission

At Connected Philanthropy, our mission is to help nonprofit organizations thrive by providing expert consulting services that support their unique needs and goals. We believe that by working collaboratively with our clients, we can help them achieve their missions and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Our approach is grounded in the belief that every nonprofit organization is unique, with its own set of challenges and opportunities. That’s why we take the time to understand our client’s needs, values, and goals, and work together to develop customized solutions that are tailored to their specific circumstances.

We are committed to delivering high-quality, value-driven consulting services that are designed to help nonprofit organizations achieve success. Our team of experienced consultants brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to every engagement, and we work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the support they need to thrive.

Above all, we believe in the power of philanthropy to drive positive change in the world. We are dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations that are doing important work to address critical social, environmental, and economic issues, and we are proud to be a part of this vital sector.

Whether your organization needs strategic planning, board training, fundraising support, program design, and evaluation, or other consulting services, we are here to help.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your mission and help you achieve your goals.

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