Sandi Frost Steensma finds funds at Parrish Consulting

Sandi Frost Steensma finds funds at Parrish Consulting

Sandi Frost Steensma

Editor’s note: Each issue of the Influential Women enewsletter will feature a profile of one of the Business Journal’s reigning Top Women Owned Businesses finalists. The profile first appeared in the event program.

Sandi Frost Steensma knows how to raise money. As the former chair of the Kent County Board of Commissioners, it was a job requirement. As president of Parrish Consulting, it’s her livelihood.

“The company’s most significant achievement is the development and implementation of its fundraising model for annual fundraising for nonprofits,” she said. “This model includes a strategic framework partnered with ‘nuts and bolts’ technical support and training.”

She said this approach has increased the annual operating budgets of more than 35 nonprofits in just six years.

“Additionally, Parrish Consulting completed the successful campaign for the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center for the Salvation Army — $15 million in fundraising for a $62-million project — and the Cherry Street Health Services Heart of the City project.” The latter raised $4.5 million for the $30-million project.

Parrish Consulting supports more than 30 nonprofits each year, including many that provide critical support and services to women.

Frost Steensma said the company’s goal is just simple math.

“Organizations that raise more money annually are fundamentally able to serve more people,” she said. “Further, the explosive growth experienced by Parrish Consulting over the past six years is contributing to the growth in our local and regional economy through expanding its own work force and the work forces of those organizations that have expanded their staffs as a result of raising more money.”

The firm was a finalist for the 2013 Top Women Owned Business award in the $1.49 million and under revenue category.