Graves Strategic Partners was founded in 2022 to meet the growing demand for experienced, culturally competent consultants who specialize in overall fund development strategy planning and implementation.

Our Founder

Sarah T. Graves is the Principal/Owner of Graves Strategic Partners.Her background in fundraising is diverse, having worked with individuals, corporations, foundations, and government. She has closed five, six, and seven figure gifts. Sarah served as Chief Development Officer at the Louisville Urban League and was a key leader of an executive team that raised more than $100 million in seven years, including the $53 million capital campaign for the Louisville Urban League Sports & Learning Campus. She oversaw several major fundraising events, increasing total revenue, sponsorships, ticket sales, and attendance by double and triple digits. Sarah also led and managed the internal grants team, which saw a 223% increase in active grants over five years. The organization’s operating budget increased from $3 million to $17.7 million in six years. Prior to her time at the League, Sarah worked in corporate marketing and sales.

As a transracial adoptee, Sarah has been advocating for inclusivity and belonging long before she actually realized what she was doing. Her personal experiences, including raising two multiracial children, and her professional experiences are what drives her passion for creating equitable solutions and spaces. Sarah also spent several years in Madrid, Spain, which she considers a second home.

Sarah holds a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish Language and Literature from Saint Louis University (Madrid campus), a M.A. in Diplomacy and International Commerce from the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, and a Project Management Certificate from Ramapo College of New Jersey. She is also a board member of Germantown Baseball, Asia Institute Crane House, the Metropolitan Housing Coalition, and the World Affairs Council of Kentucky & Southern Indiana, and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Sarah was a 2023 Business First Louisville Forty Under 40 honoree and the recipient of the 2020 Emerging Leader Award from Saint Louis University Madrid. She is fluent in Spanish and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive candidate.