Who we are
Impact Studio helps nonprofits turn purpose into practical plans. We work with leaders and boards to strengthen governance, build fundraising capacity, and navigate change.
Every engagement begins with your mission, goals, and resources. Together, we develop clear strategies that your team can put to work—and sustain.
Leadership
Chuck Benya, EdD
Chuck Benya is a nonprofit executive and advisor who helps organizations connect strategy, leadership, and resources. His recent work centers on organizational stability, board engagement, fundraising, and expanding access to the arts.
Across his career, Chuck has helped secure more than $100 million in philanthropic and in-kind support.
As CEO and Executive Director of Artspace Southern Illinois, Chuck leads a regional arts organization serving 25 counties. His work brings together exhibitions, artist support, regional grantmaking, and youth programs. He has helped grow the organization’s revenue budget sixfold in five years and secure major institutional and federal capital support.
During a concurrent appointment at Yeiser Art Center in 2025–2026, he guided strategic and operating planning, strengthened governance, and supported a leadership transition. He helped restore funding relationships and raise more than $100,000 in eight months.
Through Impact Studio, Chuck advises nonprofits and foundations on strategy, governance, organizational change, and resource development. As the consultant to the Garwin Family Foundation, he has guided governance modernization, strategic planning, and succession planning. He also serves on the boards of Arts Alliance Illinois, Illinois Local Arts Network, Kentuckians for the Arts, and Welcome, Carbondale!.
His career spans the arts, philanthropy, healthcare, and human services, including executive roles with Heartland Alliance and Howard Brown Health. He holds degrees from Vanderbilt University, the University of Michigan, Quantic School of Business & Technology, and Nazareth College.
Selected Engagements
Consulting experience across philanthropy, education, science, healthcare, human services, and the environment.
Full professional résumé available upon request.
Garwin Family Foundation
As lead consultant, guided governance modernization, strategic planning, board and committee structures, and succession planning.
Center for the Advancement of Science in Space
Redesigned and implemented the membership program.
Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving
Led the board through strategic planning and development of the Blueprint for a National CARE-NET.
Angaza Foundation for Africa Reporting
Led business development planning, drafted board recruitment materials, and identified prospective officers.
United States Healthful Foods Council
Led business development planning and supported board recruitment, including materials and prospective officer identification.
Additional consulting clients
University of Michigan Ross School of Business
Military Religious Freedom Foundation
SOLV Oregon
Michigan Community Service Commission
Board & Advisory Leadership
Selected service supporting the arts, education, and nonprofit leadership.
Kentuckians for the Arts
Board Member · 2026–present
Illinois Local Arts Network
Board Member · 2021–present
Arts Alliance Illinois
Advisory Board Member · 2021–present
Membership Committee Chair · 2002–2005
Welcome, Carbondale!
Founding Member · 2001–present
Yeiser Art Center
Vice Chair, Board of Directors · 2024–2025
University of Michigan Ross School of Business
Domestic Corps Advisory Board Member · 2005–2006
Gerber Hart Library
Board Member · 1999–2001