About

amy gudgeon

Amy Kaufman is the visionary financial activist behind Studio Watershed, where her passion for social change and financial acumen converge to create lasting impact. With over twenty years dedicated to the social sector, Amy’s expertise lies in blending strategy, scalability, finance, and data to drive real-world results.

At the core of Amy’s approach is a commitment to fostering deep partnerships and advocating for social justice. Studio Watershed boasts a diverse portfolio, supporting nonprofits, foundations, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Amy’s influence extends nationally, with notable collaborations including the MacArthur Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Network of Abortion Funds, and Tides. Her dedication also deeply permeates the Chicago community, evidenced by her impactful work with organizations like Share Our Spare, WTTW, LISC, Chicago Cubs Charities, Lawyers for the Creative Arts, and A Better Chicago.

A respected leader in the reproductive health movement, Amy has been instrumental in guiding abortion funds and reproductive rights organizations towards financial sustainability in a challenging post-Roe landscape.

Beyond her professional contributions, Amy is an avid volunteer and has served on the boards of OSRUI, Sweet Beginnings, Tuesday’s Child, The Primo Center, and the North Lawndale Employment Network. She is passionate about aligning financial capital with her values and leads an investment circle dedicated to socially responsible investing.

Amy is an outdoor enthusiast, cherishing time biking, hiking, kayaking, and enjoying lakefront walks with her two children and beloved dog. Her academic credentials include a BS in Public Affairs from Indiana University, an MPA from the University of Illinois, and a certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School. Amy was also a 2018 RSF Integrated Capital Fellow, further highlighting her commitment to using capital as a catalyst for social change.

 

“Studio Watershed led us through an organized and inclusive strategic planning process. They gave us the capacity and support necessary to ask the right questions and conduct the research to map out our next three years. The operational and financial expertise they brought to the table was essential in supporting our efforts to develop a business model to support the next phase of our growth. I strongly recommend other nonprofits consider working with Studio Watershed, especially if you’re looking for a consultant that will work both with your team and for your organization.” 
– Jim Dower, Executive Director, Urban Initiatives