About Paige Swanstein
Paige Swanstein is a nonprofit founder, speaker, and advocate committed to addressing basic needs insecurity in higher education. While in college, Paige juggled multiple jobs, including conducting research on food and housing insecurity, which exposed her to the systemic barriers students face in accessing resources. Her personal experiences with financial insecurity, combined with her research findings, inspired her to co-found the Student Basic Needs Coalition in 2020.
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Under Paige’s leadership, SBNC has connected thousands of students to critical resources, including unlocking over $1,000,000 in food assistance, while raising more than $700,000 to expand its impact. With funding from organizations like the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Walmart Foundation, and GitLab Foundation, Paige has developed scalable, student-centered solutions that empower student leaders and advocate for systemic change.
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Paige is passionate about helping other nonprofit founders and aspiring changemakers turn their personal experiences into impactful work. By sharing her journey and expertise in fundraising, leadership, and program development, she aims to guide others in building mission-driven organizations that create lasting change.
Areas of Expertise
Nonprofit Leadership: Building Mission-Driven Organizations
As the co-founder of a national nonprofit, Paige Swanstein has firsthand experience leading an organization from idea to impact. She specializes in guiding leaders through strategic planning, program development, and team building to create sustainable, mission-driven organizations. Paige’s approach emphasizes adaptability, resource maximization, and empowering others to take ownership. Whether you’re starting a nonprofit or scaling an existing one, Paige provides the tools and guidance to help your organization thrive.
Fundraising: Creating Sustainable Impact
Paige Swanstein has raised over $700,000 for the Student Basic Needs Coalition and has supported organizations with budgets ranging from $0 to $1.5 million in developing effective fundraising strategies. She helps organizations craft compelling grant applications, build relationships with funders, and align fundraising efforts with their mission. Paige focuses on actionable tactics that yield results, helping organizations create sustainable funding models to expand their impact and make a lasting difference.
Higher Education: Breaking Barriers for Students
Paige Swanstein brings a deep understanding of the challenges students face, particularly around food and housing insecurity, and the systemic barriers that prevent access to resources. Through her work with the Student Basic Needs Coalition, Paige has developed innovative, student-centered programs like peer navigator networks to connect students to critical resources. She offers practical strategies for colleges to improve access, reduce administrative burdens, and create scalable solutions. Whether it’s program design, advocacy, or training, Paige helps institutions build systems that empower students to succeed.