prax·is (prăk'sĭs), n.
1. informed, reflective action 2. putting theoretical knowledge into practice 3. bridging the gap between what is and what should be
Praxis Nonprofit Strategies is grounded in a principle articulated by philosopher and educator Paulo Freire, who described “praxis” as the unity of two activities—reflection and action—that together can transform the world.
We believe that organizations acting thoughtfully and deliberately have the capacity to change the world. We value a consulting model that starts with a thoughtful review of a client’s mission and strategies and ends with a clear plan of action to more effectively support the organization’s goals.
The Praxis Approach
Praxis consultants bring an understanding of effective fundraising strategies, a depth of planning knowledge, and the judgment to respond to the individual circumstances of each of our clients. Five goals guide our work with clients:
Working in Partnership
Strengthening Mission-Centered Organizations
Deepening Relationships
Growing Revenues
Bringing Positive Change
The Praxis Team
The Praxis Nonprofit Strategies’ team includes professionals with decades of nonprofit experience and long personal histories of volunteer service, community involvement, and deep commitments to strengthening the communities in which they live and work.
Tim Sweeny
Tim founded Praxis Nonprofit Strategies in 2006. He has over 30 years of professional nonprofit and fundraising experience and has helped hundreds of organizations raise millions of dollars. His work includes sponsorship fundraising with Habitat for Humanity, corporate fundraising with United Way, capital campaign consulting across nonprofits and religious denominations, improving annual fundraising practices for clients, and facilitating organizational strategic plans.
He is a Senior Fellow and adjunct professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership, a past Board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals-Mid America Chapter, and an invited speaker on philanthropy and nonprofit leadership at conferences and seminars.
Tim served as a full-time volunteer for both the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (Milwaukee) and the Peace Corps (El Salvador). He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Certificates in Fundraising Management and Community Facilitation. He lives in Kansas City, Missouri, with his wife and four kids.
Rozanne Prather
Rozanne is a champion for living and leading with positivity. Rozanne’s nonprofit leadership began in 2001 at Catholic Charities Foundation of Kansas City-St. Joseph as Executive Director and Chief Strategic Officer. In her decade of service, Catholic Charities achieved its greatest growth and diversification in revenue in its 135-year history. She also served as the Director of Communications and Stewardship at Truman Medical Centers.
Rozanne’s body of consulting work includes comprehensive development planning, marketing campaigns, special events sponsorship, stewardship planning, website and digital giving platforms, and capital campaigns. She has also hosted innovative capacity-building trainings for more than 90 regional nonprofits.
Honored as Volunteer of the Year for Excellence in Education by the Northland (MO) Regional Chamber of Commerce, Rozanne’s community service includes boards and development committees for several area organizations. She participated in Cristo Rey Kansas City’s Dancing with the Stars in 2015, taking first runner-up honors, and continues to serve on the steering committee for the annual fundraiser. Rozanne and her husband are lifelong Kansas Citians and are parents to two children.
Melanie Martin
Melanie has over 25 years of experience in the Kansas City nonprofit sector. As the Advancement Director at St. Pius X High School, she shepherded significant increases in annual giving and oversaw the school’s largest capital campaign, resulting in the addition of a new 35-acre athletic complex. Melanie uses her expertise in fundraising and communications, along with a deep respect for nonprofit missions, to help clients establish and implement comprehensive development strategies.
Melanie is an active member of the community, assisting with a variety of events, volunteer activities and fundraising committees. As a longtime member of the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce, she chaired the Education Committee and lead its Education Banquet. She also served as the Marketing Committee Chair for St. James Catholic School, where she coordinated the marketing plan, admissions events, and community outreach. Active in her children’s activities over the years, she served as a Girl Scout Leader for four years. Melanie holds a Master's in Public Administration with a nonprofit emphasis from University of Missouri – Kansas City’s Bloch School of Business. She lives in Kansas City with her husband and children.
Wade Freeman
As a leader, executive, and board member, Wade has over 30 years defining and implementing effective strategies, directing operations, advancing charitable giving and enhancing the productivity of leadership teams. His work includes: organizational development and the implementation of people strategy at Kansas City Southern and DST Systems, the establishment of a charter high school and expansion of foundation funding at the Don Bosco Centers, and growth in charitable giving and affordable housing development at El Centro.
Wade is a committed volunteer with religious and emergency assistance groups and an active Rotarian. He participates in Kansas City Tomorrow, a leadership program of the Civic Council. Wade has led work in India, Thailand, Mexico and the United States. He is a proficient Spanish communicator. Wade currently lives in Kansas City with his wife, where they raised three children. The Freemans balance dedicated work with sailing a well-used boat at Lake Perry, Kansas
Karma Vowell
Karma is a development professional with 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and data management. Always thriving on a challenge, she's a strategic thinker with a demonstrated ability to research, analyze, and synthesize information for creative solutions. As a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Karma maintains the highest level of ethical fundraising, donor relations and industry best practices. She holds an MBA in Nonprofit Arts Management from Oklahoma City University.
Eileen Akers
Eileen helps nonprofits effectively communicate their distinct visions to clients and stakeholders. Her portfolio of work includes fundraising brochures, newsletters, and campaign materials. Eileen has worked in publication design for more than 20 years. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Missouri.
Jody and her husband of 45 years are retired after 27 years as owners and operators of a neighborhood business center. They have three grown children. Jody is also a spiritual director and active in her church. As Administrative Assistant for Praxis, she provides support for consultants and clients.
Jody Thatch
“Whether it is with volunteers, staff, or me, Praxis consultants take the time to understand where our organization currently is and where we want to go, and then help us map out a realistic path to get there.”
— John O’Connor, Former President, Cristo Rey Kansas City