Development Officer, Donor Relations and Grant Management

Denay Patterson

Denay Patterson is the Matthew Shepard Foundation’s Development Officer for Donor Relations and Grant Management. She graduated from Ohio Northern University with a BA in Sociology and Psychology before earning an MA in Philanthropic Studies from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

This educational background sparked a passion for social justice work and led her to the nonprofit field. Before joining the Foundation, Denay worked in fundraising, database management, and research roles at other LGBTQ+ organizations like Family Equality Council and the Gill Foundation. Additionally, she has completed the Elevate leadership program through the Young Nonprofit Professional Network – Denver.

Raised in the Midwest, Denay now lives in Denver with her partner and their cat. She enjoys pub trivia, wine tastings, oolong tea, and bookshops. Contact Denay at denay@matthewshepard.org.