We believe nonprofits change the world.
This takes vision, passion, hard work—and money. We partner with nonprofits to execute cutting-edge fundraising strategies that not only yield record-breaking results but inspire and engage entire communities.
We will listen to you, we will challenge you, we will work alongside you. And we’re just going to say it - we will make you love fundraising.
OUR MISSION
Empowered Nonprofits collaborates with mission-driven organizations by bringing approachable, innovative and respected expertise to strengthen leadership and build sustainable processes to achieve measurable goals and long term growth - beyond Empowered.
OUR VISION
Empowered Nonprofits envisions a world where organizations are thriving, because people are deeply connected and financially invested in an organization’s mission, story, and impact, supported by leadership and staff who confidently and effectively bring that story to life.
OUR VALUES
Empowering by Example: We will leave you with the framework and tools for sustainable growth.
Integrity: We are honest, reliable, and will always do right by you.
Genuine Dedication: Your mission becomes our mission.
Mission Driven: We are building a better world through you.
Celebrate Success: Your wins are our wins.
OUR EXPERTISE
The hard work we do today powers the good work you do tomorrow. Empowered is here so you can do what you do best.
It takes experience.
Someone who knows how to drive a successful campaign and galvanize boards to their full potential.
It takes a partner.
Someone you can trust to build a long-term powerhouse fundraising strategy.
It takes an advocate.
Someone to support you now and into the future, to answer your questions and to work alongside you.
OUR WORK
What we can do together:
Assessment + Strategy
Fundraising Campaigns
CASE FOR SUPPORT
CAMPAIGN DEVELOPMENT + IMPLEMENTATION
DONOR ENGAGEMENT, CULTIVATION + STEWARDSHIP
Board Training + Guidance
COACHING
FACILITATION + WORKSHOPS
RECRUITMENT
Event Strategy + Execution
FUNDRAISING + SPONSORSHIP
LIVE EVENTS
VIRTUAL + DIGITAL EVENTS
TESTIMONIALS
OUR TEAM
Meet our team
Women founded, women led. A team with years of experience who are nimble and create customized and creative solutions to fit your needs.
Stefanie Pessis Weil
Chief Empowerment Officer
Founder of Empowered Nonprofits. Former Co-founder and Principal of Giving Tree Associates. Specializes in creating fundraising strategies, executing smart events and recruiting and engaging leadership. Loves spending time outdoors and on the water, binging a good TV show and laughing with her family.
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LinkedIn: Connect with Stefanie
Ilissa Berz
Senior Empowerment Officer
Founding team member of Empowered Nonprofits. Client- and colleague-proclaimed "event guru." Specializes in executing large-scale fundraising events, working with organizations to perfect their campaign plans and engaging strong boards and leadership. Loves spending time with friends and family, baking sweet treats and playing with her pup.
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Rashel Allswang
Senior Empowerment Officer
Empowered Nonprofits’ creative thinker who specializes in strategic planning, campaign creation, event planning, and building effective communication tactics. Motivated through passion for bettering the world, clients’ mission, and team collaboration. Rashel is a coffee-lover, home-organizing fan, and workout enthusiast who is always ready for adventures with her family and friends.
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Christina Jensen
Empowerment Officer
Empowered Nonprofits team member and fundraising tool-box filler. Specializes in helping organizations fulfil aspirational goals while also reviewing actionable next steps. A guiding light to nonprofits who want to embrace their long-term vision to philanthropic and organizational advancement. When not working with clients or chasing after her three children, you’ll find Christina stealing away time with a good book (or maybe napping).
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Taryn Gluskin Empowerment Officer
Empowered Nonprofits’ community-outreach and brand experience guru. 15-years of experience in the nonprofit and corporate communications world, specializing in building community and culture through world-class events and strategic brand positioning. Focused on amplifying brand visibility and voice through effective delivery in the marketplace. By 8 p.m., you can find Taryn gravitating toward the “promised land” of her couch after putting her two daughters to bed, knitting a sweater or baby blanket until the wee hours of the night.
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Julia Ring Empowerment Officer
Julia Ring comes to the Empowered Nonprofits team with a professional background in strategy and operations as well as nonprofit program management. A team player and creative thinker, Julia is thrilled to be on the team to support the unique and meaningful organizations Empowered supports. Julia loves to explore restaurants all over Chicago, read, work out on Peloton, and watch Jeopardy! daily.
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