About Us
Mission: To empower nonprofits to become financially sustainable to fulfill their missions
Vision: Those served by nonprofits flourish
Values:
Warmth - kindness in all our interactions
Integrity - honesty in all we say and do
Faith - trust in God's guidance and provision
Excellence - exceptional quality work and return on investment
Meet the Team
Alison L. Finstad, MPA, CFRE
Founder and Principal
Alison brings more than 25 years of nonprofit experience, having played key fundraising roles in both local and international organizations. Alison holds a Master’s in Public Administration, a certificate in Marketing from the Simon School of Business, a Bachelor’s in Anthropology from the University of Rochester, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive. She has served as a board member for the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Genesee Valley Chapter and The Margaret Home. Currently, she provides board leadership to The Salvation Army of Greater Rochester. She lives in Penfield, NY with her husband and two kids, and enjoys training for triathlons.
Olivia Williams
Executive Assistant
Olivia supports Benezet Advisors’ clients in a variety of ways including administration, IT, and marketing. She received a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Francis Marion University and has a background in IT in the finance industry. Olivia thrives when serving others and is inspired to make a difference in the world through supporting a diverse array of nonprofits. She lives in Hemingway, SC with her husband and two sons and loves the beach.
The Benezet Advisors team also includes trusted colleagues from around the country who excel in their fields and provide project-based assistance as needed.
Inspiration and Progenitor
Anthony Benezet is Alison Finstad's eight-times-great-granduncle. Benezet was a French Quaker who lived in Philadelphia in the 1700s. He was a close friend of Benjamin Franklin and worked ceaselessly toward the abolition of slavery and education of people of color. He is also considered the "Father of Philanthropy" in recognition of his boldness in asking presidents and royalty around the world for financial help to free slaves. Alison is proud and humbled to name Benezet Advisors after this exemplary ancestor.
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Oprah Magazine mentions Anthony Benezet: Little-Known Black History Facts You May Not Have Learned In School.