“As a new Executive Director, I needed guidance around fundraising, board development, and organizational priorities. CF helped us evaluate past efforts, identify practical next steps, and create greater clarity around where leadership and board energy should be focused. His approach was thoughtful, strategic, and incredibly valuable as we planned for the future of our organization.”
-Josh
Meet YOUR Team
-
FOUNDER and CHIEF STRATEGIST
C. F. Callihan has more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, serving a diverse range of missions from homelessness and housing to ballet and books. Over the course of his career, he has helped raise more than $25 million through annual giving, special projects, and capital campaigns.
Through his ongoing practice and research, C.F. partners with nonprofit CEOs to provide hands-on strategic guidance that helps them navigate the complexities of successful fundraising. His expertise includes inspiring and equipping boards to fundraise, strengthening individual giving, and removing the barriers that keep organizations from growing revenue.
C.F. believes nonprofits can build stronger fundraising programs by investing in the relationships they already have instead of constantly chasing wealthy people who don’t know them.
His goal is simple: help nonprofits raise more and stress less.
-
CONSULTING PARTNER.
With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Brittany is a passionate fundraising professional dedicated to helping organizations grow their impact and strengthen their communities. She currently serves as Chief Development Officer at Financial Pathways of the Piedmont, where she oversees all fundraising and marketing efforts.
Brittany’s career spans leadership roles with respected organizations such as the American Heart Association and United Way, where she built a proven track record in relationship management, strategic revenue development, corporate and individual giving, and grant writing. Prior to her current role, she spent over six years managing volunteers and community engagement initiatives, deepening her understanding of what inspires people to give their time and resources.
A proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Brittany earned her master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in nonprofit management in 2018. She chose fundraising as a profession on purpose, driven by a deep belief in connection, courage, and purpose (and a healthy dose of Brené Brown inspiration).
Whether leading a campaign, writing a grant, or helping a team dream bigger, Brittany brings authenticity, strategy, and heart to every project she touches.
-
CONSULTING PARTNER
A former public school teacher, René Dillard is deeply committed to bridging high-quality data with organizational practice. With 8+ years of experience in the Nashville social impact community, she specializes in using data and strategic growth to drive revenue and expand programs equitably. Her portfolio includes strategic planning, facilitation, survey development, donor and funder analysis, and campaign development. She formerly served as the Director of Development for the Nashville Adult Literacy Council, where she led initiatives to expand literacy access and empower Nashville’s adult learners. She also designed curriculum and programming for the Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance, creating growth opportunities for educators across the state. She has held key roles at United Way of Greater Nashville and the Nashville Chamber, bringing her expertise in education research, policy development, and multi-generational learning to these organizations.
Guided by her vision of a Nashville where every child has the skills to fully participate in the community and access meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth, René volunteers as a CASA Advocate, serves on the board of Plant the Seed, and mentors first-generation college students of color. She is also an avid reader and loves to hike with her dog, Benji.
René holds an M.P.P. in Education Policy from Vanderbilt University and a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Chicago.
Mission
To help nonprofits raise more and stress less by providing strategic fundraising leadership rooted in empathy, clarity, and accountability.
Vision
Community
We envision a nonprofit sector where every organization, no matter its size, has access to the tools and strategic support to engage donors authentically, communicate boldly, and sustain their mission.
People
We envision a world where fundraisers are valued, boards are engaged, volunteers are appreciated and donors are considered partners in your work.
Values
Lead with Heart
Simplify Fundraising
Engage in Authentic Relationships
Founding Member
Community Fundraising Research Collaborative
In 2024, Brian Williams of Dandelion Consulting and CF Callihan of Heart Strategy Impact partnered to explore how nonprofits engage and support the LGBTQ+ community.
What began as a shared curiosity grew into a collaborative research effort combining our experience and networks to understand how nonprofits and donors navigate today’s challenges.
Over the past year, we’ve worked together to gather data, analyze trends, and share insights that help organizations build more inclusive and responsive practices. Our partnership continues as we expand and deepen this research.
