ABOUT

Our Approach

Welcome to Keystone Mission Partners, a dedicated consulting firm focused on empowering nonprofit organizations. We offer innovative fundraising strategies, optimization, and strategic planning services tailored for small to mid-sized nonprofits across the U.S. Founded by a dynamic sister-brother team with a blend of expertise in nonprofit work, project management, and creative engagement, we are committed to providing adaptable solutions that enhance your impact. Together, we can unlock your organization’s potential and help you tell your story effectively.

OUR TEAM

Meet Our Consultants

Our team of consultants at Keystone Mission Partners brings together diverse expertise and a shared passion for driving impact through nonprofit consulting. With a focus on excellence and innovation, we collaborate to deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Michael Benson, PhD

Co-Founder and Executive Director

Michael Benson, Ph.D. (he/him) is Executive Director at Keystone Mission Partners (KMP), where he leads campaign development, content design, and strategic planning across client engagements. He also serves as the lead facilitator for fundraising events and organizational workshops, bringing a creative, systems-minded approach to every project.

Michael’s work centers on helping mission-driven organizations grow sustainably through strategic fundraising, efficient infrastructure, and compelling messaging. His background includes successful grassroots fundraising, major grant authorship, and live campaign execution — including interactive, narrative-driven livestream events that have raised thousands for medical, theatrical, and community causes. As a former project manager supporting contracts with the state of Texas, he oversaw complex operational overhauls and led initiatives to streamline systems for high-impact programs.

With more than 20 years of experience across education, nonprofit development, and communications, Michael is particularly skilled at connecting vision to action. He brings a sharp eye for process design, a deep understanding of audience engagement, and a collaborative spirit to every partnership.

He holds a Ph.D. in History, and his academic career has been recognized with competitive grants and multiple awards for research and teaching excellence.

Kathryn "Katie" Benson, MPA

Co-founder and Director of Operations

Kathryn “Katie” Benson, MPA (she/her), is Director of Operations at Keystone Mission Partners (KMP), where she oversees administrative systems, timelines, contracts, and visual branding. She also acts as the first point of contact for new clients.

Katie’s work centers on designing inclusive, data-informed programs that are both compassionate and operationally strong. Her portfolio includes community education, experiential learning, caregiver engagement, and outcome measurement systems that allow organizations to clearly demonstrate impact while remaining grounded in real-world practice. She is especially skilled at translating complex needs into sustainable structures that empower teams and improve long-term outcomes for individuals and families.

Her professional background spans nonprofit leadership, special education, and the arts, shaping an approach that balances rigorous analysis with creativity, empathy, and collaboration. Katie is particularly passionate about building systems that strengthen communities, support staff sustainability, and ensure that impact is not only felt but clearly measured and continuously improved.

Katie has a Master of Public Administration with a certification in Nonprofit Management and has spent more than 15 years working in community-based environments.

To connect with Katie, reach out through Keystone Mission Partners.