Ask the Nonprofit Specialists

Do you have questions about starting, governing, managing or operating a nonprofit organization?

Our specialists have helped numerous nonprofit organizations and individuals with many issues... from getting started, to funding, to taxes, and more.

Your questions are fielded by our professionals in residence. Anne Byrne, Professional in Residence, and Pat Lewis, Sr. Professional in Residence, work with a team that includes Center faculty and staff, its Advisory Council, and nonprofit professionals.

At age 23, Anne Byrne was the founding executive director of Denver’s rape crisis center, an organization that continues to flourish today, over 28 years later. Byrne went on to build a nationally recognized, multi-site summer and after school tutoring program for inner city youth.  With 25 years of experience as an executive director of emerging nonprofit organizations, Byrne brings valuable expertise and perspective to the Lodestar Center's "Ask the Nonprofit Specialists."

Patricia F. Lewis, ACFRE, has over 35 years experience in the nonprofit sector and is the immediate past President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives (NSFRE) in Alexandria, Virginia. She is currently a faculty associate for the ASU Lodestar Center and is also an adjunct faculty member of George Mason University in Virginia.

Click the "Ask a Question" button below to begin, or call the Center's main line at 602-496-0500 for personal assistance. You may also e-mail Anne directly at anne.byrne@asu.edu.

Our nonprofit specialists have developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions that might be helpful in answering your questions. Simple click on the FAQ button on this page to obtain that information.

Sometimes it is helpful in preparing to assist you to have your question or questions through our email system. Simply click the Ask A Question button providing some basic information. (All information will be treated as confidential.)

We will endeavor to respond to you within 48 hours. Thank you for contacting ASU Lodestar Center. It is our mission to help you be successful in completing your mission in the community.

Want to start a nonprofit?

Consider enrolling in our three-module How to Start a Nonprofit Workshop! Click here for more information.