Our Team

Our Team Approach

At the Alliance for Nonprofits our staff and consultants work collaboratively in a team approach to enhance the quality and performance of each project. Our unique model ensures that every initiative benefits from a diverse range of expertise, fostering innovative solutions and comprehensive support.

How We Operate:

  1. Project Evaluation:
    • Each project begins with a thorough evaluation to determine the specific disciplines and specialists required to achieve the desired outcomes.
    • This assessment allows us to understand the unique needs and challenges of the project, ensuring we align the right resources from the start.
  2. Team Selection:
    • Based on the project evaluation, our chosen Project Manager assembles a team of professionals with the skills and experience best suited to respond to the project's demands.
    • This team typically includes staff members and external consultants, providing a balanced mix of internal knowledge and external insights.
  3. Diverse Expertise:
    • Our team approach leverages the different influences and disciplines of selected staff and consultants. This diversity ensures that the project benefits from a broad range of talent and perspectives, enhancing innovation and problem-solving.
    • The collective expertise covers various areas, such as strategic planning, financial management, program development, fundraising, marketing, and governance.
  4. Collaborative Execution:
    • The project team works collaboratively throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring seamless integration of different skills and knowledge areas.
    • Regular team meetings, progress reviews, and feedback loops are integral to our process, promoting continuous improvement and alignment with project goals.

Our Staff and Consultants:

Project Managers:  Skilled in overseeing complex projects, ensuring timely delivery, and maintaining high-quality standards.

Strategic Planners:  Experts in developing comprehensive strategies that align with organizational goals and drive long-term success.

Financial Analysts:  Proficient in budgeting, forecasting, and financial management to ensure projects are financially viable and sustainable.

Program Developers:  Specialized in designing and implementing effective programs that meet community needs and achieve measurable outcomes.

Fundraising Professionals:  Experienced in crafting and executing fundraising campaigns, grant writing, and donor engagement strategies.

Marketing and Communications Specialists:  Skilled in promoting projects, increasing visibility, and engaging stakeholders through various communication channels.

Governance Advisors:  Knowledgeable in nonprofit governance, board development, and organizational policies to strengthen leadership and accountability.

By combining the talents of our diverse team, we offer a broad range of expertise not typically available from a single source. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in driving the success and development of our capacity-building initiatives, enabling us to deliver exceptional results for the nonprofits we serve.

 

 Brenda Alford, MSW, CGMS, Founder and Executive Director

brenda+alford+alliance+for+nonprofits+400x400

Nonprofit Management          Social Entrepreneur         Certified Grants Manager

 

Founder & Executive Director, Alliance for Nonprofits

A Visionary Leader in Nonprofit Capacity Building & Grants Management

Brenda Alford is a nonprofit leader, social entrepreneur, and certified grants management specialist with over 20 years of expertise in nonprofit management, program development, stakeholder engagement, and securing multi-million-dollar funding. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Alliance for Nonprofits, she has dedicated her career to empowering organizations that serve communities in health, economic development, housing, workforce advancement, youth services, and senior initiatives.

Her strategic leadership and project execution skills have directly impacted hundreds of nonprofits, strengthening their capacity to serve vulnerable populations. Brenda’s ability to manage complex initiatives, build partnerships across sectors, and drive mission-aligned growth has made her a sought-after expert in nonprofit sustainability and funding strategies.

 

Driving Impact Across Multiple Sectors

Nonprofit Leadership & Capacity Building

  • Founder & Director, Alliance for Nonprofits – Spearheaded initiatives that sustained over 250 nonprofits during the pandemic and beyond. Secured $4 million in grant funding, established 10+ strategic partnerships, and trained nonprofit leaders in financial sustainability and fundraising.
  • Director, Institute for Faith-Based Development – Designed and implemented impactful programs for faith-based and community-based organizations, addressing critical needs in economic development, substance abuse, criminal justice, HIV/AIDS, parenting, and career development.
  • Executive Director, Contemporary Management Community Development Corporation – Led a 501(c)(6) nonprofit focused on comprehensive community and business development, fostering entrepreneurship and economic empowerment in diverse communities.
  • President, Association of African American Women Business Owners – Developed national training programs for over 20,000 business professionals, facilitated $40 million in contracting opportunities, and expanded small businesses into regional and national markets.

Federal Grants & Strategic Project Management

  • Federal Grants Project Manager, U.S. Department of Commerce – Managed an $300 million federal grant portfolio, overseeing 800+ annual awards to universities and research institutions.
  • Grants & Policy Consultant – Reviewed and evaluated 5,000+ federal grant proposals, shaping funding decisions for projects totaling over $5 billion in diverse fields such as education, healthcare, workforce development, economic mobility, and environmental sustainability.
  • Disaster Recovery & Government Oversight – Played a critical role in developing grant policies, streamlining federal funding processes, and ensuring regulatory compliance, including managing disaster relief grants for hurricane recovery efforts.

She has earned a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Pittsburgh, Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Tennessee State University and is a certified grants manager by the National Grants Management Association.