line drawing of grapes in white - representing Sheryl Alexander, Philanthropy Consultant

Meaningful support
for meaningful results

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SJAlexander Philanthropy Associates

From creating and working with successful boards, to matching and building lasting relationships between organizations and donors, to structuring and inspiring staff and volunteers, Sheryl Alexander marshals the forces and funds that ensure transformational success for mission-related organizations of all sizes.

She helps organizations make a positive impact. She nurtures relationships that move the mission forward. She ensures philanthropic giving is meaningful for both donors and organizations.

With a gift for creating and motivating teams of both employees and volunteers — and providing the resources they need to succeed — Sheryl has spent her career building, collaborating, and managing philanthropic organizations, ensuring they fulfill their missions day after day, year after year.

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Contact Sheryl

Sheryl Alexander

Philanthropy Consultant

Sheryl grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and has lived in various places around the country. She spent more than a decade with the American Red Cross in various capacities nationwide and at their headquarters in Washington, D.C. She served as interim CEO for Community Foundation Sonoma County, president and CEO for the Inland Empire Community Foundation, and executive director at Foothill DeAnza Community College Foundation. She also has held many fundraising and operations posts that support diverse causes — ranging from healthcare and medicine, to disaster relief and community-building, to children’s media and education — at various organizations, including:

  • Hanna Center – Sonoma, California
  • Palo Alto Humane Society – Palo Alto, California
  • Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – San Jose, California
  • Jewish Community Partners – Memphis, Tennessee
  • Dixon Gallery and Gardens – Memphis, Tennessee
  • CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse) – Burlingame, California
  • Discovery Eye Foundation – Los Angeles
  • Goodwill Industries – San Francisco
  • Golden Gate University – San Francisco

Sheryl has always celebrated the rich tapestries of the organizations and communities she serves. She prioritizes equality, inclusion and transparency in all efforts through listening to, valuing and respecting each individual, organization and community.

Innovative approaches and proven strategies — as well as a knack for inspiring people’s innate generosity — allow Sheryl to partner with your nonprofit to attract donors and resources, increase capacity, fund and run key programs, and meet the long- and short-term needs and mission of your organization and its constituents.

Sheryl Alexander has been an unwavering source of wisdom and support as I’ve navigated my role at Mendocino Winegrowers. Her strategic insight and thoughtful guidance have been invaluable, offering clarity and confidence in moments of uncertainty. Her expertise and generosity in sharing her knowledge make her an incredible asset to anyone seeking guidance.

Bonnie Butcher

Executive Director at Mendocino Winegrowers, Inc.

Once again, thank you so much for the great work you did on Saturday facilitating our start on the road to a strategic plan for Sonoma Plein Air's next 3+ years. I believe we accomplished a productive session in which all participants engaged and that we came to a mutual understanding and appreciation of the way forward.

Cheryl Shimek

President, Sonoma Plein Air Foundation Board

Sheryl is an exceptional professional adept at navigating the nuances of non-profit leadership. With her extensive experience and knowledge, she offers a client-centered, direct and candid approach underscored by her exceptional listening and creative problem-solving skills.

Sherry Preiss

Board Chair/Community Volunteer

Sheryl is not only a highly qualified professional, she is a woman of unparalleled character, honesty and caring. She will provide creative, donor-specific strategies that can transform your organization. It is exceptionally rare to find someone of her experience in Sonoma Valley. 

Dub Hay

Co-Chair, Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund

Sheryl has the ability to help you get right to the heart of whatever challenge you are facing. She is just the right combination of professional and caring. Her skills, experience, and warmth have been instrumental to me in advancing my career.

Susie Gallo

Executive Director, Sonoma Mentoring Alliance