About Us

About Us

Established in 2002, Boxwood Development Services, LLC is a consulting firm that takes pride in delivering exceptional quality products and services to our clients. Our team of advisors is accredited professionals with extensive knowledge and backgrounds in nonprofit management, proposal writing, prospect research, program development, and outcome management.

Our Mission Statement

Boxwood Development Services, LLC provide development services (e.g. outcome management, grant writing) to nonprofit organizations, faith-based agencies, government agencies, and foundations. Our mission is to support communities that are transforming lives.

About Founder

Marie Thelusma-Chase, President-CEO of Boxwood Development Services LLC, is a mission-driven outcome management consultant for non-profit and government agencies that are transforming communities.  She has expertise in several areas:

-               Develop outcome-based database applications for nonprofit agencies that improve the way they track results.  Sample projects: tutoring program, case management for senior services.

-               Assist agencies manage outcomes for sustainability and longevity.  Sample results for one client: agency growth from 3 to 21 employees, within two years; program impact from 15 students at risk of failing to 100 students performing at or above grade level; program replication from one site to five sites. 

-               Developed fundraising plans and prepared successful grant applications that led to grant awards from federal, state, and municipal governments (e.g. Americorps, NJ Juvenile Justice Commission, Workforce Investment Boards).

Marie comes from the information technology field with six years of experience in creating database software and Web-based applications for industry leaders.  Ten years of experience in assisting small ($75K+) to large-size ($5 million +) non-profit groups in managing for success. She has a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics from New Jersey Institute Technology.  In addition, she has four years of professional training from the Rensselaerville Institute (a think tank that achieves clean and quantifiable outcomes for human gain http://www.rinstitute.org).  Additional achievements include:

-               Utilized evidence-based models such as Utah Strengthening Family Program, Keys to Inner Vision, and Phoenix Anti-gang in youth program development.  Incorporated the State Department of Education Adult Basic Skills Curriculum Guide, and the Equipped for the Future Standards to develop curriculums for adults with low basic skills.

-               Provided capacity building support to agencies transitioning from activity-based to outcome-based program delivery.  Four years of experience in working with more than 100 small to large size government and non-profit agencies in creating an outcome-framework for their programs (specifically at-risk population programs), organizations and fundraising plans.  Immediate results have been an increase in grant awards, increased client satisfaction, improvement in client conditions, improvement in staff moral, and having a defined vision that everyone is working towards!

In her spare time, Marie runs several youth and adult mentoring groups, enjoys running (e.g. ran Philadelphia Marathon), loves gardening, and of course loves preparing ethnic cuisines.   

The Backstory Behind Our Company -

She Gave the 'Beggar' Her Very Best
By Marie Thelusma-Chase, Founder

One day, a man came to our yard begging for food. Our house was across from the train tracks, so I figured he was on a train carrying what seemed like never ending carts of sugar canes. I didn't notice grandma Emma's conversation with the man but I did pay close attention to what she did next. Rice, beans, oil, and our pot! "Why is grandma giving this man all that we have to live on," at five years old, I thought to myself with disapproval.

Unlike most people, grandma Emma didn't give from her wealth, but she gave her wealth to those less fortunate than herself. So when I founded Boxwood Development Services back in 2002, all the altruistic life lessons from grandma came together to form the foundation of this company.

We give you (our clients) our wealth - knowledge, skills, and resources - in supporting you in transforming lives. Our services, products, and staff are at your services. Welcome to Boxwood!

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