20

Years of Experience

$18

Million Raised

1500+

Clients

100%

501(c)(3) Approvals

Hi, I'm Deona!

Partnership Strategist.

Connector. Visionary.

I've Been on Both Sides of the Partnership Table.

I've spent more than 20 years helping organizations turn great ideas into sustainable growth.

I've built nonprofits from the ground up, secured corporate sponsors, raised millions in funding, and created partnerships that helped organizations expand their reach and increase their impact.

What makes my approach different is that I haven't spent my career giving advice from the sidelines, I've done the work.

Today, I help nonprofit founders, business owners, and event organizers do the same through practical strategies that actually work.

Whether you're launching something new or ready to grow what you've already built, I'll help you develop partnerships that create long-term opportunities, not just one-time wins.

WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE ME

Practical Guidance From Someone Who's Been There

  • I've been the nonprofit founder trying to stretch every dollar.

  • Launching nonprofits taught me the realities of limited budgets and unlimited dreams.

  • I've been the executive building fundraising strategies.

  • I've represented businesses making community investment decisions.

  • I've negotiated sponsorships, developed partnerships, planned conferences, launched organizations, and built programs from the ground up.

  • That means I don't teach theories.

  • I teach the same strategies I've used throughout my career to my clients who create lasting results in their businesses and nonprofits.

Ready to Start Your Organization or Increase Your Profits?

Whether you're launching your first nonprofit, planning your next event, or looking to grow your business through strategic partnerships or sponsorships, I'd love to help you take the next step.

Let's Build Something Great Together!

Work With Me

Transformative Coaching, Consulting, and Courses

Partnership Strategy

Customized partnership strategies that align with your mission and drive meaningful results.

- Partnership & Sponsorship Plans

- Corporate & Community Engagement

- Relationship Development

Courses

Self-paced learning experiences that help nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurs build sustainable funding strategies.

- Starting a Nonprofit

- Win Sponsors

- Fundraising For New Founders

Speaking & Training

Inspiring and equipping audiences with actionable strategies for partnerships, funding, and impact.

- Keynote Speaking

- Workshops & Training

- Online Courses

TESTIMONIALS

Highly Recommend!

"I enrolled in Deona's Win Sponsors course and found it to be very, very beneficial to me and the organization. I found the presentation to be easy to follow and the information provided was potent. I highly recommend Deona's course and gleaning from such a well knowledgeable woman! I will definitely remain connected to Deona and her team."

Michelle T. - From Cleveland

Step-By-Step

"Deona broke down the basics of creating value for your event supporters and sponsors + how to secure sponsors and the timing of when sponsors are willing to commit funds for community events. Whether you need $6,000 or $60,000, Deona laid out a step-by-step plan to win sponsors and turn your event into a fundraiser."

Stephen H. - From Columbia

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Purposeful Partnerships. Powerful Impact. © 2026 Deona Smith. All Rights Reserved.