Your bridge to growth
We stand in the gap
At Philanthropy in Action, we know it’s frustrating to be held back from making the impact you envision. You have a worthy cause, along with the passion and ingenuity to bring it to life, but securing resources can often rest on factors beyond your control.
We share your passion for making a difference in our community. We’ve navigated the nonprofit and donor world for decades and are deeply familiar with the road to seeing a dream become reality. That’s why we exist — to use our experience and insight to propel your mission forward.
You stand on a strong foundation
When you partner with Philanthropy in Action, our organization becomes yours. Partnership opens the door to:
Credibility
Quickly gain trust with donors when you have Philanthropy in Action’s endorsement.
Funding opportunities
Become eligible to receive funding such as tax-deductible donations and grants you may not independently qualify for.
Practical tools
Make giving easy for donors when you get set up in Mazlo, our designated fiscal sponsorship and fundraising platform.
Understanding fiscal sponsorship
For many nonprofit startups or projects, receiving funding can be a challenge due to 501(c)(3) ineligibility. A fiscal sponsor like Philanthropy in Action stands in the gap by receiving donations on your behalf — so you can access more grants, funding, and donors.
We work with philanthropic causes of all kinds and all sizes, from individual projects to lasting nonprofit organizations. If you have questions about how Philanthropy in Action can help your organization, contact us here.
You stand on a strong foundation
When you partner with Philanthropy in Action, our foundation becomes yours. Partnership opens the door to:
Credibility
Quickly gain trust with donors when you have Philanthropy in Action’s endorsement.
Funding opportunities
Become eligible to receive funding such as tax-deductible donations and grants you may not independently qualify for.
Practical tools
Make giving easy for donors when you get set up in _____, a comprehensive fiscal sponsorship and fundraising platform.
Easy breezy! Working with Philanthropy in Action has been so helpful to our organization and it also has been very inspirational. They are very organized and proficient in what they do. They take you to the top with them in their donor relationships. They also inspire you to do greater works that are even more helpful to the community. We are preparing for an unknown future in our country and communities right now and it is so comforting to have this great organization leading the way!
Greater East Texas – National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer
Standing with you
Meet our leadership and board. Together, we bring over 70 years of nonprofit and fundraising expertise to help move your mission forward.
Dawn Franks
President
See bio
Dawn is owner of Dawn Franks Strategic Solutions a consulting firm that provides coaching and planning for philanthropists and nonprofit executives. She founded and owned Your Philanthropy from 2014-2023, and has served in multiple philanthropy and nonprofit roles over the course of her career, including co-founder of the East Texas Crisis Center, CEO of United Way of Smith County, and President of Fourth Partner Foundation. She received her Bachelor’s degree in political Science and Master’s degree in public administration from the University of Texas at Tyler. Dawn is a member of the Tyler Executive Women’s Network and the East Texas Estate Planning Council, and the Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma. She is a 2164 Certified Advisor, holds a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy from The American College of Financial Services, and earned a Certificate for High Impact Philanthropy. Dawn was a Leadership Tyler 19 graduate and has been involved in many organizations.
Alan Cumming
Treasurer
See bio
Alan Cumming is a Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley’s The RoseWest Group, tailoring an institutional process and over 20 years of investing experience to help clients with the complexities that wealth can bring. Alan and his wife Sarah are active in their church and raising two boys. Previously Alan helped found Promise Academy where he served on the board for a number of years. Alan currently serves as a Trustee at LeTourneau University and on the board for Leadership Tyler.
Mary Elizabeth Jackson
Secretary
See bio
Mary Elizabeth Jackson currently serves as the Administrative Advisor, Vice President for CHRISTUS Health Northeast Texas. Expanding the communication lines between rural service areas, local community leaders, and the health system’s leadership is her primary focus in her current position.
Mary Elizabeth has worked in the public policy field helping entities formulate policy, work on strategic planning, and deal with conflict resolution in-group settings. With over 30 years of experience in advocacy work, she is now a volunteer for many organizations in developing communication plans and message development.
Alden Warr
Director
See bio
Alden Warr is a Managing Member at Lavender Warr. He has spent his career advising, investing in, and in leadership at fast-growing, private companies. After building and successfully exiting several companies, Alden became a named partner at the strategy consulting firm, Lavender Warr where he advises businesses, non-profit, and government organizations on financial strategy and data analysis. Alden has a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Master’s degree in finance from Texas A&M University. He also serves or has served on numerous non-profit boards including the Dallas Entrepreneur Center, the Tyler Innovation Pipeline, Teach the Story, and All Access International.
Todd Buchanan
Director
See bio
Todd Buchanan is President of Greater Texas Capital Corporation (GTCC), where he has served since 2012 and assumed leadership in 2016. He also leads Lending Avenue, a community initiative of GTCCF, an emerging CDFI. With over two decades of experience in corporate finance, operations, and consulting, Todd previously advised small and large businesses on finance, mergers, and acquisitions. He holds a BA in Accounting from Texas Lutheran College and serves as Region VI Director for NADCO. Todd is actively engaged in the Tyler community through Redemption Church and boards including Philanthropy in Action, PAVE, Hope Haven, Tyler Economic Development Council, Tyler Business Education Council, and UT Tyler’s Soules College of Business. He also chairs the Catalyst 100 Executive Committee and is a Leadership Tyler graduate (Class 27).
Ashlea Wilson, Ph.D.
Director
See bio
Dr. Ashlea L. Wilson is a HR Generalist II for Southside Bank. She holds multiple degrees, including a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Houston, a Master’s Degree from Northern Illinois University, and a Master’s Degree from California State University, Bakersfield, and a Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Tyler’s Human Resource Development Program. She is a member of the Hispanic Professional Association of Tyler, Leadership Tyler Class 35, and The Rotary Club of Tyler. Ashlea serves on the Tyler Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Foundation Board, the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Talent/Workforce Planning Committee, and the HPAT East Texas Leadership Summit Planning Committee. Most recently, she was honored as the top volunteer in East Texas in 2024 for Southside Bank.