For us, it’s all about you. Whether you’re trying to raise sustainable funding, build a building, or increase enrollment—your mission is worth advancing. We believe in helping you inspire greater generosity through deeply intentional donor relationships. We don’t push low-return fundraising gimmicks that hide your mission, like impersonal raffles or pricey events (though we do like events). We help you put people first, pure and simple. Because investing in relationships leads to impact that lasts.
Our individual and collective faith in God gives us strength in all things.
We recognize that we are always growing personally, professionally, and unified as a company.
We will be our true, honest, open, and best selves, and we will respect each other for the same.
We will do what it takes to deliver on our promises, to both our clients and each other.
We will work as a team and value relationships over authority.
Schuyler and Jennifer Lehman got into fundraising like most people do: on accident. While working his way through college in the Mayville University mailroom, Schuyler was offered a job by fundraising consultants. He decided that would be a great way to use his chemistry and information technology degree, and set out to learn the art and science of fundraising. Soon, he was supporting and leading campaigns all over the country. Meanwhile, Jennifer pursued a Bachelors degree in music and a Masters in business and nonprofit management, bringing her academic and administrative skills to the table.
After working in the industry for multiple consulting firms and leading hundreds of engagements, the Lehmans decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Their dream was to build a practice focused on transformational donor engagements through people-centered fundraising. It’s a philosophy they knew to be the “secret sauce” all nonprofit missions must have for sustainable growth, and one that rarely gets the time and attention it deserves from nonprofit leaders.
Back in 2007, Schuyler worked from the McKinney public library to form the early framework of Mission Advancement while Jennifer managed all the “back of house” business after their two toddlers went to bed. Today, Jennifer leads their growing team while Schuyler focuses on writing, mentoring, and supporting the mission. Together and with the Mission Advancement team, they’re bringing purpose-driving fundraising to nonprofit leaders across the country.
Anna works as a Senior Client Coordinator and is a member of the Operations Team. Within this role, Anna works to support the company at large, using her affinity for review and knowledge of the grant space of fundraising to...
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Senior Client Coordinator
Anna works as a Senior Client Coordinator and is a member of the Operations Team. Within this role, Anna works to support the company at large, using her affinity for review and knowledge of the grant space of fundraising to help Mission Advancement ensure excellence on deliverables, synthesize company processes, and assist in problem-solving and special projects. Today, Anna combines her keen attention to detail, adaptability, and desire for intentional relationship building with her passion for serving others alongside the Mission Advancement team.
With previous experience both on the administrative and programmatic/direct-service sides in the nonprofit space, Anna brings a unique set of knowledge and skills to the Mission Advancement team. She has previously served in the roles of executive assistant, academic specialist, program assistant, and volunteer coordinator consecutively at HOPE Farm – an after-school program for fatherless boys and resource program for their single mothers – as well as in the executive assistant and project support roles through Mission Allies – a grant writing firm supporting local area nonprofits in their fundraising, relationship stewardship, and overall strategic growth.
A DFW native, Anna received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas Christian University. She also earned a Master of Arts in Sociology from Columbia University in the City of New York. Anna is an avid sports lover, keeping up with multiple teams across almost every sport as well as playing soccer on the weekends. She is also a talented baker and always enjoys cooking meals or baking sweet treats for her friends and family.
Carson comes to Mission Advancement with nearly eight years of experience in fundraising. He is motivated by working alongside development teams to improve their ways of working and grow their funding, all to maximize impact for the people and communities...
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Consultant
Carson comes to Mission Advancement with nearly eight years of experience in fundraising. He is motivated by working alongside development teams to improve their ways of working and grow their funding, all to maximize impact for the people and communities served.
Before joining the team at Mission Advancement, Carson served as the Director of Strategic Initiatives in the Office of Advancement at Dallas Baptist University. In this role, he was responsible for advising university leadership on principal and major gifts strategies for capital campaigns and other funding initiatives.
Carson holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Dallas Baptist University, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration in Sports Strategy & Sales and Business Management from Baylor University. He and his wife, Caleigh, reside in Dallas, where they enjoy spending time with friends and family.
Chris is Mission Advancement's Business Intelligence Analyst. Previously, Chris worked in a leadership capacity with the Texas House of Representatives in a legislative operations role. Appointed by the Speaker to be an Officer of the House, he guided staff and...
Read Bio
Business Intelligence Analyst
Chris is Mission Advancement's Business Intelligence Analyst. Previously, Chris worked in a leadership capacity with the Texas House of Representatives in a legislative operations role. Appointed by the Speaker to be an Officer of the House, he guided staff and officials through the rigors of the legislative process. In this role, he discovered a passion for utilizing data and analytical skills to promote organizational success. Chris honed these skills further through a graduate education at Southern Methodist University, where he earned a Masters of Arts Management and MBA with a focus in Business Analytics.
Chris has had the opportunity to work with organizations across Texas and the globe, helping them develop new fundraising strategies, refine donor engagement approaches, develop pricing strategies, and craft audience development plans.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys working out recipes picked up on trips abroad, cycling, and playing the piano.
Erin Samson is a diverse fundraising professional with over 18 years of experience in nonprofit management, institutional advancement, and social services. As a Mission Advancement Managing Consultant, she leads capital campaign and development counsel efforts in the Austin region. Erin...
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Assistant Vice President
Erin Samson is a diverse fundraising professional with over 18 years of experience in nonprofit management, institutional advancement, and social services. As a Mission Advancement Managing Consultant, she leads capital campaign and development counsel efforts in the Austin region. Erin has raised millions of dollars in annual, major gift, and capital campaign funds for numerous organizations across Texas.
Before her tenure with Mission Advancement, Erin held a leadership position with a national association where she had the privilege of working to secure major gifts through relationship-based fundraising for a $5 million capital campaign. Over the years, Erin has gained significant experience in management, major gift solicitations, sustainable annual giving programs, and capital campaigns. Erin has been a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) since 2016.
A native Texan and graduate of McMurry University in Abilene, Texas with a B.A. in Communications, Erin found her passion for fundraising while working in the alumni office during her college years. Erin lives in North Texas, with her husband and their three children. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends usually on a patio, watching sports, being involved with her church, and supporting her children’s activities.
Heather currently serves as a Consultant and Grant Writer for Mission Advancement, working directly with clients to meet their funding goals.
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Consultant
Heather currently serves as a Consultant and Grant Writer for Mission Advancement, working directly with clients to meet their funding goals.
She brings over 25 years of nonprofit management, fundraising, and grant writing experience to the Mission Advancement team working with a variety of organizations such as: United Way, Girl Scouts, The Dallas Opera, Children’s Advocacy Center, and most recently the local school district. Heather is passionate about utilizing her education, skills, talents, and experience to inspire and equip each organization to advance their mission. Heather believes in helping others in every area of her life as evidenced by her long-time commitment to community and the not-for-profit space.
Heather is originally from Lubbock, Texas, where she earned a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies and a M.A. in Organizational Management. For the last 20 years, Heather has made Coppell her home enjoying the community with her husband and 3 children. When she is not working you will find her supporting her kids at their many activities, volunteering, or enjoying the outdoors.
Hope Dobson serves as a Marketing Coordinator at Mission Advancement, working alongside the company to share its story and inspire generosity through creative communication and donor engagement. She loves finding ways to connect people to meaningful causes and helping organizations...
Read Bio
Marketing Coordinator
Hope Dobson serves as a Marketing Coordinator at Mission Advancement, working alongside the company to share its story and inspire generosity through creative communication and donor engagement. She loves finding ways to connect people to meaningful causes and helping organizations highlight the heart behind their mission.
Hope’s path into marketing grew out of both ministry and a love for storytelling. Before joining Mission Advancement, she served as a youth pastor in Tulsa, Oklahoma, experiences that shaped her passion for building relationships and speaking to people’s hearts. She holds a B.A. in Communication with a minor in Journalism from Texas A&M University.
A proud Texan, Hope enjoys reading, thrifting, camping, and blogging in her free time. Her favorite book is The Great Gatsby, which she rereads every year, always finding something new in its pages. She is active in her local church and treasures time spent with family and friends, whether gathered around a campfire or exploring hidden thrift store gems.
Jessica Stillwell has been working with and for nonprofit organizations for nearly a decade. She brings a proven track record in nonprofit fundraising to her work at Mission Advancement — combining strategic development expertise with hands-on experience in donor relations,...
Read Bio
Consultant
Jessica Stillwell has been working with and for nonprofit organizations for nearly a decade. She brings a proven track record in nonprofit fundraising to her work at Mission Advancement — combining strategic development expertise with hands-on experience in donor relations, capital campaigns, grant writing, and program advancement. Jessica leverages her experience and best practices to serve Mission Advancement clients, including social service organizations of all shapes and sizes and independent schools.
Prior to joining the firm, Jessica served as Director of Development at Interfaith Family Services in Dallas. During her three and a half years in the role, she executed development strategy and special events, provided oversight of volunteers, social media, and marketing, and stewarded the agency’s mid-level and major donors.
A Fayetteville, Arkansas native, Jessica graduated from Vassar College in New York before heading back down south to complete a year of service with AmeriCorps at Reading Partners North Texas - where she fell in love with nonprofit work. Jessica is a member of the Junior League of Dallas, AFP of Greater Dallas, and a local church. She enjoys traveling, yoga, and adventuring with her husband Alex and her dog Bruno.
With over 20 years of hands-on professional development and fundraising experience, Josh relishes working with nonprofits ready to unlock radical generosity. His experience working in nearly every seat in the development office has positioned him to counsel a variety of...
Read Bio
Managing Consultant
With over 20 years of hands-on professional development and fundraising experience, Josh relishes working with nonprofits ready to unlock radical generosity. His experience working in nearly every seat in the development office has positioned him to counsel a variety of organizations and schools. As a managing consultant with Mission Advancement, he leads projects in several capacities.
As the former Sr Director of Development with Children At Heart Ministries (CAHM), Josh oversaw multimillion-dollar campaigns, led the mid-major gifts program, and focused on strategic affairs and board development with leaders from affiliates across Texas. Josh has worked with a variety of social service and humanitarian causes. He is a former executive board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Houston Chapter. In that role, he chaired the Strategic Change Committee.
A 19-year resident of Texas, Josh is an alumna of the University of Colorado where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Broadcasting. Josh, his wife Angela, and their children, Lea and Luke live in Houston, TX. You'll catch them competing at board games and eating great tacos.
Anna works as a Senior Client Coordinator and is a member of the Operations Team. Within this role, Anna works to support the company at large, using her affinity for review and knowledge of the grant space of fundraising to...
Read Bio
Senior Client Coordinator
Anna works as a Senior Client Coordinator and is a member of the Operations Team. Within this role, Anna works to support the company at large, using her affinity for review and knowledge of the grant space of fundraising to help Mission Advancement ensure excellence on deliverables, synthesize company processes, and assist in problem-solving and special projects. Today, Anna combines her keen attention to detail, adaptability, and desire for intentional relationship building with her passion for serving others alongside the Mission Advancement team.
With previous experience both on the administrative and programmatic/direct-service sides in the nonprofit space, Anna brings a unique set of knowledge and skills to the Mission Advancement team. She has previously served in the roles of executive assistant, academic specialist, program assistant, and volunteer coordinator consecutively at HOPE Farm – an after-school program for fatherless boys and resource program for their single mothers – as well as in the executive assistant and project support roles through Mission Allies – a grant writing firm supporting local area nonprofits in their fundraising, relationship stewardship, and overall strategic growth.
A DFW native, Anna received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas Christian University. She also earned a Master of Arts in Sociology from Columbia University in the City of New York. Anna is an avid sports lover, keeping up with multiple teams across almost every sport as well as playing soccer on the weekends. She is also a talented baker and always enjoys cooking meals or baking sweet treats for her friends and family.
Carson comes to Mission Advancement with nearly eight years of experience in fundraising. He is motivated by working alongside development teams to improve their ways of working and grow their funding, all to maximize impact for the people and communities...
Read Bio
Consultant
Carson comes to Mission Advancement with nearly eight years of experience in fundraising. He is motivated by working alongside development teams to improve their ways of working and grow their funding, all to maximize impact for the people and communities served.
Before joining the team at Mission Advancement, Carson served as the Director of Strategic Initiatives in the Office of Advancement at Dallas Baptist University. In this role, he was responsible for advising university leadership on principal and major gifts strategies for capital campaigns and other funding initiatives.
Carson holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Dallas Baptist University, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration in Sports Strategy & Sales and Business Management from Baylor University. He and his wife, Caleigh, reside in Dallas, where they enjoy spending time with friends and family.
Chris is Mission Advancement's Business Intelligence Analyst. Previously, Chris worked in a leadership capacity with the Texas House of Representatives in a legislative operations role. Appointed by the Speaker to be an Officer of the House, he guided staff and...
Read Bio
Business Intelligence Analyst
Chris is Mission Advancement's Business Intelligence Analyst. Previously, Chris worked in a leadership capacity with the Texas House of Representatives in a legislative operations role. Appointed by the Speaker to be an Officer of the House, he guided staff and officials through the rigors of the legislative process. In this role, he discovered a passion for utilizing data and analytical skills to promote organizational success. Chris honed these skills further through a graduate education at Southern Methodist University, where he earned a Masters of Arts Management and MBA with a focus in Business Analytics.
Chris has had the opportunity to work with organizations across Texas and the globe, helping them develop new fundraising strategies, refine donor engagement approaches, develop pricing strategies, and craft audience development plans.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys working out recipes picked up on trips abroad, cycling, and playing the piano.
Erin Samson is a diverse fundraising professional with over 18 years of experience in nonprofit management, institutional advancement, and social services. As a Mission Advancement Managing Consultant, she leads capital campaign and development counsel efforts in the Austin region. Erin...
Read Bio
Assistant Vice President
Erin Samson is a diverse fundraising professional with over 18 years of experience in nonprofit management, institutional advancement, and social services. As a Mission Advancement Managing Consultant, she leads capital campaign and development counsel efforts in the Austin region. Erin has raised millions of dollars in annual, major gift, and capital campaign funds for numerous organizations across Texas.
Before her tenure with Mission Advancement, Erin held a leadership position with a national association where she had the privilege of working to secure major gifts through relationship-based fundraising for a $5 million capital campaign. Over the years, Erin has gained significant experience in management, major gift solicitations, sustainable annual giving programs, and capital campaigns. Erin has been a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) since 2016.
A native Texan and graduate of McMurry University in Abilene, Texas with a B.A. in Communications, Erin found her passion for fundraising while working in the alumni office during her college years. Erin lives in North Texas, with her husband and their three children. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends usually on a patio, watching sports, being involved with her church, and supporting her children’s activities.
Heather currently serves as a Consultant and Grant Writer for Mission Advancement, working directly with clients to meet their funding goals.
Read Bio
Consultant
Heather currently serves as a Consultant and Grant Writer for Mission Advancement, working directly with clients to meet their funding goals.
She brings over 25 years of nonprofit management, fundraising, and grant writing experience to the Mission Advancement team working with a variety of organizations such as: United Way, Girl Scouts, The Dallas Opera, Children’s Advocacy Center, and most recently the local school district. Heather is passionate about utilizing her education, skills, talents, and experience to inspire and equip each organization to advance their mission. Heather believes in helping others in every area of her life as evidenced by her long-time commitment to community and the not-for-profit space.
Heather is originally from Lubbock, Texas, where she earned a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies and a M.A. in Organizational Management. For the last 20 years, Heather has made Coppell her home enjoying the community with her husband and 3 children. When she is not working you will find her supporting her kids at their many activities, volunteering, or enjoying the outdoors.
Hope Dobson serves as a Marketing Coordinator at Mission Advancement, working alongside the company to share its story and inspire generosity through creative communication and donor engagement. She loves finding ways to connect people to meaningful causes and helping organizations...
Read Bio
Marketing Coordinator
Hope Dobson serves as a Marketing Coordinator at Mission Advancement, working alongside the company to share its story and inspire generosity through creative communication and donor engagement. She loves finding ways to connect people to meaningful causes and helping organizations highlight the heart behind their mission.
Hope’s path into marketing grew out of both ministry and a love for storytelling. Before joining Mission Advancement, she served as a youth pastor in Tulsa, Oklahoma, experiences that shaped her passion for building relationships and speaking to people’s hearts. She holds a B.A. in Communication with a minor in Journalism from Texas A&M University.
A proud Texan, Hope enjoys reading, thrifting, camping, and blogging in her free time. Her favorite book is The Great Gatsby, which she rereads every year, always finding something new in its pages. She is active in her local church and treasures time spent with family and friends, whether gathered around a campfire or exploring hidden thrift store gems.
Jessica Stillwell has been working with and for nonprofit organizations for nearly a decade. She brings a proven track record in nonprofit fundraising to her work at Mission Advancement — combining strategic development expertise with hands-on experience in donor relations,...
Read Bio
Consultant
Jessica Stillwell has been working with and for nonprofit organizations for nearly a decade. She brings a proven track record in nonprofit fundraising to her work at Mission Advancement — combining strategic development expertise with hands-on experience in donor relations, capital campaigns, grant writing, and program advancement. Jessica leverages her experience and best practices to serve Mission Advancement clients, including social service organizations of all shapes and sizes and independent schools.
Prior to joining the firm, Jessica served as Director of Development at Interfaith Family Services in Dallas. During her three and a half years in the role, she executed development strategy and special events, provided oversight of volunteers, social media, and marketing, and stewarded the agency’s mid-level and major donors.
A Fayetteville, Arkansas native, Jessica graduated from Vassar College in New York before heading back down south to complete a year of service with AmeriCorps at Reading Partners North Texas - where she fell in love with nonprofit work. Jessica is a member of the Junior League of Dallas, AFP of Greater Dallas, and a local church. She enjoys traveling, yoga, and adventuring with her husband Alex and her dog Bruno.
With over 20 years of hands-on professional development and fundraising experience, Josh relishes working with nonprofits ready to unlock radical generosity. His experience working in nearly every seat in the development office has positioned him to counsel a variety of...
Read Bio
Managing Consultant
With over 20 years of hands-on professional development and fundraising experience, Josh relishes working with nonprofits ready to unlock radical generosity. His experience working in nearly every seat in the development office has positioned him to counsel a variety of organizations and schools. As a managing consultant with Mission Advancement, he leads projects in several capacities.
As the former Sr Director of Development with Children At Heart Ministries (CAHM), Josh oversaw multimillion-dollar campaigns, led the mid-major gifts program, and focused on strategic affairs and board development with leaders from affiliates across Texas. Josh has worked with a variety of social service and humanitarian causes. He is a former executive board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Houston Chapter. In that role, he chaired the Strategic Change Committee.
A 19-year resident of Texas, Josh is an alumna of the University of Colorado where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Broadcasting. Josh, his wife Angela, and their children, Lea and Luke live in Houston, TX. You'll catch them competing at board games and eating great tacos.
Funding solutions require an intentional plan, not a one-size-fits-all fundraising playbook. Understanding you, your organization, and your vision is the catalyst for our consulting approach.
We’ll work beside you, providing guidance and focusing on high impact + high return activities to tap into your organization’s hidden potential.
Your mission can reach far and wide. Together, we’ll craft and execute an intentional plan that meets your current and future needs.