About
A seasoned philanthropic and nonprofit executive, Cassandra Benjamin founded 
in 2005. Working in areas ranging from human services to education to housing, Cassandra and her associates provide a wide variety of philanthropic and nonprofit services, partnering with specialists and other firms as needed to ensure optimal results for clients. Prior to founding , Cassandra’s career included two decades of service in the public benefit sector:
As Senior Program Officer for the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation, Cassandra designed and directed a multimillion-dollar strategic grantmaking program and managed a diverse portfolio of direct service, capacity building, and system change investments. Cassandra’s aptitude for attracting and partnering with other funders greatly enhanced the Foundation’s impact. Her leadership in national and local networks created learning opportunities and connection points for grantees and key community, philanthropic, and government partners.
As Executive Director of Shelter Network, Cassandra managed San Mateo County’s largest provider of homeless services, with 65 full-time staff and six programs. During her tenure, she more than doubled the agency’s budget, built the board structure, developed a strategic plan, led a $10.75 million capital campaign, and opened a model shelter with licensed on-site childcare. Her success in shepherding Shelter Network through a period of transition and growth was informed by previous experience in program management, research and evaluation, fund development, and direct services at a variety of human services agencies, including Larkin Street Youth Services and Catholic Charities.
Cassandra’s credentials include a master’s degree in Nonprofit Administration from the University of San Francisco and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, and she is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Executive Nonprofit Management Program. In recognition of her commitment and leadership, Cassandra received the Private Business Leader Award from the Nonprofit Housing Association of Northern California and was appointed to the San Francisco Mayor’s Ten Year Plan Commission. Currently she serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of First Place for Youth.
