About Stephanie
Stephanie Schwartz is Little Bean Group’s Founder and CEO.
Stephanie (she/her) is a nationally recognized leader in philanthropy with extensive experience and expertise. She knows that philanthropy has the power to create change and impact and has a passion for helping organizations identify and realize their objectives.
Stephanie worked for nearly two decades at two of Washington DC’s best known institutions: AIPAC and the George Washington University. She rose through the ranks from front-line fundraiser to executive leader. Throughout the course of her career, Stephanie has:
- led a $1 billion historic campaign;
- solicited millions of dollars from donors across the world;
- coached and mentored dozens of fundraisers; and
- overseen the strategic realignment of multiple fundraising departments and teams
In 2019, Stephanie launched Little Bean Group because every organization needs effective fundraising to reach its goals. Stephanie helps organizations start, improve, and sustain their fundraising over time. She provides clear guidance, actionable recommendations, and the high-caliber customized work for every client.
Stephanie holds a B.A. from Douglass College, the women’s college at Rutgers University, and an MBA from the George Washington University. She is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. She serves on a number of nonprofit boards including the Greater DC Diaper Bank, The Field School, and the Greater Washington Advisory Council for the Jewish Fertility Foundation. Stephanie lives in Washington, DC, with her husband and son. Stephanie maintains a regular yoga practice and loves to read, cook, antique, and travel in her free time.
Our Values
Our work is grounded in the values of inclusivity, trust, honesty, and integrity. As a woman-owned and woman-run business, we seek to elevate the voices of historically marginalized groups by amplifying their voices on our platforms and through our work. We create an environment that welcomes discussion. There isn’t always a clear cut answer in fundraising, and we are comfortable navigating multiple opinions, complex issues, and nuanced approaches.
We build trust through regular, transparent communication. We offer honest advice, even when it is hard to hear. We are available for strategic consultation and take the time to pause and reflect throughout our engagements. While we may work together for a short period of time, our partnership will have lasting impact and we take that responsibility seriously.
In accordance with our values, Little Bean Group reserves time every month for pro bono work. We seek out organizations whose work supports women, girls, and vulnerable populations as well as those focused on reproductive justice and ensuring access to reproductive healthcare. In 2022, we completed 3 pro bono projects. One focused on education for young girls and two were with organizations helping to expand access to abortion and contraception. We also make charitable donations to organizations whose work aligns with our values.
My Jewish faith taught me that we must always stand up and speak out when we see injustice. Attending a women’s college illuminated how various forms of inequality and injustice are often intertwined. I grew up with these values and they remain central to who I am and the impact I want to make on the world. As a business owner and as an activist, I have both the obligation and privilege to create change in my community and on issues that matter to me.”