Grounded in relationships, built to last
I help nonprofits build corporate and institutional partnership programs they can grow and run with intention.
Built for small to mid-size organizations with at least one dedicated development staff member and a genuine desire to get better.
I'm Joey Schmidt, Founder and Principal of Buddy Co. I come at this work from three directions most fundraising consultants don't: as fundraiser, as educator, and as artist. My fundraising background is the core, building corporate and institutional partnership programs and the systems underneath them. My education background is why I teach the work instead of doing it for you, so your team can run it confidently after I leave. My art background, painting, printmaking, and photography, is how I hear what's underneath a problem and help you tell the story that makes the right partners want in.
$7M+
raised across corporate, foundation, and in-kind partners
100+
corporate and institutional partners managed and stewarded
8+
years in nonprofit fundraising and leadership
Ground Floor
When you're starting a corporate partnership program from scratch.
Best for: Early-stage or grassroots nonprofits building a corporate partnership program for the first time. One dedicated development staff member or an ED wearing the development hat. For organizations with a $500K-$3M annual budget.
BUILD
Room Service
When your program works and you're ready to grow it.
Best for: Nonprofits with an existing corporate partnership program and someone running it, ready to grow it more intentionally. For organizations with a $2M-$10M annual budget.
RUN
The Residency
When your program's stalled and needs a rebuild.
Best for: Established nonprofits with a development team whose corporate partnership program has plateaued or stalled. Ready for a full rebuild. For organizations with a $5M+ annual budget.
FIX
Take their word for it
“Joey is incredible at taking the time to get to truly know the donor. But then his attention to detail, execution, and follow through is unmatched. When he’s on your team, he makes everyone around him better.”
Kevin Clarke
Director of Corporate Partnerships, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City
“Joey is a natural relationship manager and systems builder. During his time at United Way he helped to establish strategy and processes where there were none, all the while creating transformational relationships with clients. He is an absolute joy to work with and is an incredible asset to any team lucky enough to have him!”
Amelia Crowl
Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, United Way of Greater Kansas City
Currently partnering with consulting firms on engagements across environmental, civic, and community-centered nonprofits.
Ready to build something that lasts?
