20+ years in nonprofit fundraising | $25M+ raised | Speaker at AFP ICON and conferences across the country
Fundraising doesn’t have to be so complicated.
C.F. Callihan helps nonprofit leaders raise more and stress less through practical, relationship-centered fundraising strategies they can actually use.
Interactive keynotes, workshops and trainings for nonprofit conferences, associations, foundations and leadership teams.
Speaking Topics
-
Discover how involving others outside of the development office in your fundraising efforts can revolutionize the way your organization achieves its mission. From storytelling that tugs at the heartstrings to fostering meaningful relationships and offering diverse avenues for involvement, we'll uncover the secrets to inspiring action and driving impact together while helping the fundraising team do their job easier and more effectively. Get ready to ignite passion, cultivate community, and unleash the full potential of your donor champions who are ready to help your cause.
-
Fundraising doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This interactive workshop introduces a simple recipe for success: Engage, Ask, Thank (EAT). Participants will learn how to engage donors authentically, ask with confidence, and thank in ways that inspire loyalty. With practical tools and hands-on activities, this session provides new fundraising staff, board members and volunteers with a repeatable framework for building stronger donor relationships and raising more money with less stress.
-
The Great Wealth Transfer is already changing how nonprofits must think about fundraising, donor engagement, and long-term sustainability. This session will provide an overview of the generational and philanthropic shifts shaping the future of giving while highlighting innovative strategies nonprofits are using to engage younger donors and build authentic relationships. Through an interactive activity, participants will reflect on their own donor engagement strategies and identify ways to better connect with the next generation of supporters.
Additional Programs and Custom Workshops
From Data to Donor: AI + Fundraising
Better Board Fundraising Bootcamp
LGBTQ+ Philanthropy / From Visibility to Investment
Creative Approaches to Fundraising
Why C.F.?
Less lecture. More participation.
C.F. believes people learn fundraising by doing it. His sessions combine practical frameworks, real nonprofit examples, audience conversation and exercises participants apply to their own organizations during the session.
No jargon. Nothing complicated. Just useful ideas people can take back to work tomorrow.
What participants are saying.
Worth our time and money.
•
Incredible instructor and wonderful content.
•
CF was engaging, informative, and has a great background and experience to back up his teaching.
•
The workshop was concise, and the instructor was knowledgeable in the topic. It was well-planned and organized.
•
This session was great and gave tangible things we can implement into our funding strategy
•
Really great presenter, great and very helpful content
•
He was a fantastic and engaging speaker.
Worth our time and money. • Incredible instructor and wonderful content. • CF was engaging, informative, and has a great background and experience to back up his teaching. • The workshop was concise, and the instructor was knowledgeable in the topic. It was well-planned and organized. • This session was great and gave tangible things we can implement into our funding strategy • Really great presenter, great and very helpful content • He was a fantastic and engaging speaker.
For Meeting Planners
Everything you need to confidently book and prepare for C.F.’s session.
Speaking topics
AV requirements
Downloadable speaker one-sheet
Let's make fundraising easier for your audience.
Whether you're planning a conference keynote, association program, board retreat or hands-on workshop, we'll design a session that gives your audience practical ideas they can put to work immediately.
Selected Speaking Engagements
From Visibility to Investment: How Nonprofits Can Grow Their Support from the LGBTQ+ Community
Explore the latest research on LGBTQ+ philanthropy, LGBTQ+ donor behavior, and nonprofit fundraising. Learn how LGBTQ+ donors make giving decisions, what they expect from organizations, and how nonprofits can strengthen donor engagement, build trust, and create authentic relationships that lead to long-term philanthropic support.
Avoiding Fundraising Dead Ends and Charting a Path to Success
Have you ever spent time on a fundraising idea that didn’t deliver the results you expected?
Nonprofits don’t need large budgets to make a big impact, but they do need to focus their time and resources on the right things.
This session helps nonprofit leaders prioritize their time, identify and pursue the fundraising activities that matter most, and focus limited resources on work that drives revenue. Participants will leave with a practical framework for setting priorities, structuring their day plus a few tools they can use immediately to stay focused and accountable. Come prepared to share a dead-end in your fundraising journey.
Raise More Stress Less Masterclass: Engage, Ask and Thank
Join CF Callihan in Winston-Salem on October 23 for an interactive three-hour fundraising masterclass. Using the EAT Framework—Engage, Ask, and Thank—you’ll gain practical tools to strengthen donor relationships, ask with confidence, and raise more with less stress.
Learning Lab: 2027 Fundraising Planning
Join nonprofit leaders and fundraising professionals for a full day of learning, conversation, and practical strategies led by multiple speakers and facilitators.
C.F. Callihan will lead the session Goal Setting and Revenue Strategy, helping participants move beyond simply placing a fundraising number in the budget. Attendees will explore how to set realistic revenue goals, identify the funding opportunities best aligned with their organization, and turn ambitious targets into a clear, actionable plan.
The day will also include additional presentations, lunch, and a panel or roundtable discussion, giving participants opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, exchange ideas with peers, and leave with practical strategies they can apply within their organizations.
The Raise Club Conversation, Carrie Hagovsky, Vice President, Regional Marketing Director, Fifth Third Bank
Discover how to build corporate partnerships that go beyond transactional sponsorships. This Raise Club conversation will help nonprofit leaders identify aligned companies, create meaningful value, and approach corporate engagement with greater clarity and confidence.
AFP LGBTQ+Affinity Group
AFP's LGBTQ+ Affinity Group is a safe space for LGBTQ+ fundraisers and allies to meet one another, share advice, and discuss their experiences in the profession.
Turning Today’s Relationships into Tomorrow’s Legacy
This practical training demystifies planned giving and show nonprofit leaders and fundraisers how to begin meaningful legacy conversations without needing to become financial or legal experts. Participants will explore the connection between strong donor relationships, generational wealth, and charitable estate gifts while learning approachable strategies for identifying prospects, communicating opportunities, and building a sustainable planned-giving program.
Participants will leave with greater confidence, practical language, and clear next steps for helping donors turn a lifetime of generosity into a lasting impact.
The Raise Club Conversation: Claire Lechtenberg, Director of Development and Marketing, Independent Picture House, Charlotte NC
Before you spend all your energy finding new donors, take another look at the people who already believe in your mission. In this Raise Club conversation, Claire Lechtenberg shares how The Independent Picture House deepened relationships with current donors to help fund a major building expansion while continuing to support annual operations.
EAT (Engage, Ask, Thank): A Practical Framework for Stress-Free Fundraising
Fundraising doesn't have to be overwhelming. Using the EAT Framework—Engage, Ask, Thank—participants will learn how to build stronger donor relationships, make more confident asks, and inspire long-term donor loyalty. Through practical examples and hands-on activities, attendees will leave with a simple fundraising recipe they can implement immediately to raise more money with less stress.
AFP North Carolina Philanthropy Conference
Heart Strategy Impact is proud to sponsor this year’s NC Philanthropy Conference! After speaking at the conference last year, I’m excited to return, reconnect with fundraisers from across the state, and share practical ideas to help nonprofit leaders raise more and stress less. To celebrate, I’m giving away one complimentary conference registration. Enter today for your chance to join us!
AFP LGBTQ+Affinity Group
AFP's LGBTQ+ Affinity Group is a safe space for LGBTQ+ fundraisers and allies to meet one another, share advice, and discuss their experiences in the profession.
More than One Gift: Involving Donors in your Fundraising Efforts
We are headed to St Louis for the 2026 AFP Greater St. Louis Gateway Conference on Philanthropy.
Discover how involving your donors in your fundraising efforts can revolutionize the way your organization achieves its mission. From storytelling that tugs at the heartstrings to fostering meaningful relationships and offering diverse avenues for involvement, we'll uncover the secrets to inspiring action and driving impact together while helping the fundraising team do their job easier and more effectively. Get ready to ignite passion, cultivate community, and unleash the full potential of your donor champions who are ready to help your cause.
The Great Wealth Transfer: What Fundraisers Need to do Now.
The Great Wealth Transfer is already changing how nonprofits must think about fundraising, donor engagement, and long-term sustainability. This session will provide an overview of the generational and philanthropic shifts shaping the future of giving while highlighting innovative strategies nonprofits are using to engage younger donors and build authentic relationships. Through an interactive activity, participants will reflect on their own donor engagement strategies and identify ways to better connect with the next generation of supporters.
The Raise Club Conversations
The Raise Club Conversation
Join us for the inaugural Raise Club Conversation featuring Chelsea Baker, Board Fundraising Chair for Nashville Tree Conservation Corps.
Chelsea will share how her organization has created a board culture where fundraising is rooted in relationships rather than pressure. Together, we'll explore practical ways to engage board members, build fundraising confidence, and strengthen individual giving.
You'll leave with:
• Practical ideas you can implement immediately
• Fresh perspectives from a volunteer leader responsible for motivating her nonprofit board
• Time for conversation and questions with fellow participants
Whether you're an executive director, fundraiser, or volunteer leader, this conversation will help you raise more and stress less.
Date: August 12, 2026
Time: Noon–1:00 PM Eastern
What Giving USA 2026 Means for Your Fundraising Results
Every year, the Giving USA report provides one of the most comprehensive looks at charitable giving in America.
In this practical webinar, Heart Strategy Impact’s Chief Strategist, C.F. Callihan II will break down the most important findings from Giving USA 2026. We'll explore where philanthropy is growing, how donor behavior is changing, and what organizations should be doing now to strengthen donor relationships and build sustainable fundraising programs.
Whether you're an executive director, development professional, board member, or nonprofit leader, you'll leave with a clearer understanding of the philanthropic landscape and practical ideas you can implement immediately. No jargon. No fluff. Just the insights that matter and the steps you can take to put them into action.
From Visibility to Investment: How Nonprofits Can Grow Their Support from the LGBTQ+ Community
This session draws on two years of original research to explore how LGBTQ+ donors make decisions about giving and how nonprofits are engaging them. Participants will examine the evolution of LGBTQ+ philanthropy, emerging donor trends, and research findings on nonprofit visibility, inclusion, representation, and engagement.
Attendees will leave with practical strategies to build authentic relationships, strengthen donor trust, and move beyond symbolic support to foster meaningful, long-term engagement with LGBTQ+ communities.
From Visibility to Investment: How Nonprofits Can Grow Their Support from the LGBTQ+ Community
This session draws on two years of original research to explore how LGBTQ+ donors make decisions about giving and how nonprofits are engaging them. Participants will examine the evolution of LGBTQ+ philanthropy, emerging donor trends, and research findings on nonprofit visibility, inclusion, representation, and engagement.
Attendees will leave with practical strategies to build authentic relationships, strengthen donor trust, and move beyond symbolic support to foster meaningful, long-term engagement with LGBTQ+ communities.
Recharge + Raise: June
Fundraising doesn’t have to feel lonely. Recharge + Raise is a free monthly virtual gathering hosted by Heart Strategy Impact, designed to give nonprofit fundraisers a supportive space to pause, connect, and grow. Come ready to share ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and leave re-energized for the work ahead.
AFP LGBTQ+Affinity Group
AFP's LGBTQ+ Affinity Group is a safe space for LGBTQ+ fundraisers and allies to meet one another, share advice, and discuss their experiences in the profession.
EAT Your Way to Stress Free Impactful Fundraising
Feed your mission with the EAT strategy for fundraising.
Fundraising doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This interactive workshop introduces a simple recipe for success:
Engage, Ask, Thank (EAT).
Participants will learn how to engage donors authentically, ask with confidence, and thank in ways that inspire loyalty. With practical tools and hands-on activities, this session provides new fundraising staff, board members and volunteers with a repeatable framework for building stronger donor relationships and raising more money with less stress.
Key Learnings:
Understand how the EAT Framework (Engage, Ask, Thank) simplifies and strengthens the donor journey.
Develop one new engagement, ask, and thank strategy customized for your organization.
Discover low-cost, high-impact tactics to boost donor loyalty and reduce fundraising stress.
Leave with a practical fundraising “recipe card” you can put into action right away.
AFP ICON 2026 Recap: The Good. The Better and the Do it Now Strategies
What’s actually resonating at AFP ICON 2026? In this session, I’ll share what I’m seeing and hearing in real time—the good strategies to keep, the better approaches gaining traction, and the “do it now” actions you can implement right away. You’ll leave with clear, relationship-centered ideas you can put into practice immediately.
Recharge + Raise: May
A monthly space for fundraisers to reconnect, reflect, and fundraise smarter.
Fundraising can be isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Recharge + Raise is a free monthly virtual gathering for nonprofit fundraisers to pause, share challenges, exchange ideas, and get re-energized for the work ahead. Each session blends peer connection, practical takeaways, and a bit of heart to help you raise more and stress less.
If you would like to attend, please sign up here.
Funding with Pride: Navigating LGBTQ+ Donor Shifts and Nonprofit Strategies in a Shifting Landscape
Continuing on our previous research, we will share insights around how donors are approaching changes in federal policy as it relates to nonprofit organizations and more specifically within nonprofits who serve as well as any nonprofit who is interested in engaging the LGBTQ+ community.
From Data to Donor: Using AI to Strengthen (not replace) Relationships
Technology is transforming fundraising, but empathy and authenticity still drive generosity. In this session, learn how artificial intelligence (AI) can make donor engagement easier and more personal. Discover how AI tools can simplify prep before donor meetings including:crafting tailored talking points and surfacing donor connections. Data and analytics professional Jorge Montoya, founder of GrantdAI, will demonstrate how responsible AI can streamline the funding process for nonprofits and empower fundraisers to spend more time on what matters most: building genuine relationships and keeping heart at the center of every conversation.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the evolution of AI tools in fundraising and identify which current technologies can help simplify donor research and meeting preparation.
Experience a practical demonstration with an emerging AI-powered grant and donor strategy tool.
Learn how to apply AI tools to uncover donor insights and make strategic decisions.
Discuss three actionable takeaways for integrating AI, in a responsible and sustainable way, into your workflow without losing the human touch.
Recharge + Raise: April
A monthly space for fundraisers to reconnect, reflect, and fundraise smarter.
Fundraising can be isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Recharge + Raise is a free monthly virtual gathering for nonprofit fundraisers to pause, share challenges, exchange ideas, and get re-energized for the work ahead. Each session blends peer connection, practical takeaways, and a bit of heart to help you raise more and stress less.
If you would like to attend, please sign up here.
EAT Your Way to Stress Free Impactful Fundraising
Feed your mission with the EAT strategy for fundraising.
Fundraising doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This interactive workshop introduces a simple recipe for success:
Engage, Ask, Thank (EAT).
Participants will learn how to engage donors authentically, ask with confidence, and thank in ways that inspire loyalty. With practical tools and hands-on activities, this session provides new fundraising staff, board members and volunteers with a repeatable framework for building stronger donor relationships and raising more money with less stress.
Key Learnings:
Understand how the EAT Framework (Engage, Ask, Thank) simplifies and strengthens the donor journey.
Develop one new engagement, ask, and thank strategy customized for your organization.
Discover low-cost, high-impact tactics to boost donor loyalty and reduce fundraising stress.
Leave with a practical fundraising “recipe card” you can put into action right away.
Master Class Series: More than One Gift
This training is a practical, relationship-centered fundraising training designed to help nonprofits involve donors in deeper, more meaningful ways. Rather than focusing solely on financial transactions, this session explores how organizations can invite donors to contribute time, talent, advocacy, influence, and storytelling—while making the fundraising team’s work easier and more effective.
The goal is to identify your champions, expand your organization’s capacity so that you can raise more and stress less.
The Nonprofit Nosh
The Nonprofit Nosh is a small, intentional gathering for fundraising professionals who want connection without performance. No panels. No pitches. Just space to eat, talk, and remember you’re not doing this work alone.
Recharge + Raise: March
Fundraising doesn’t have to feel lonely. Recharge + Raise is a free monthly virtual gathering hosted by Heart Strategy Impact, designed to give nonprofit fundraisers a supportive space to pause, connect, and grow. Come ready to share ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and leave re-energized for the work ahead.
AFP LGBTQ+Affinity Group
AFP's LGBTQ+ Affinity Group is a safe space for LGBTQ+ fundraisers and allies to meet one another, share advice, and discuss their experiences in the profession.
Recharge + Raise: February
Fundraising doesn’t have to feel lonely. Recharge + Raise is a free monthly virtual gathering hosted by Heart Strategy Impact, designed to give nonprofit fundraisers a supportive space to pause, connect, and grow. Come ready to share ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and leave re-energized for the work ahead.
Recharge + Raise: January
Fundraising doesn’t have to feel lonely. Recharge + Raise is a free monthly virtual gathering hosted by Heart Strategy Impact, designed to give nonprofit fundraisers a supportive space to pause, connect, and grow. Come ready to share ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and leave re-energized for the work ahead.
Recharge + Raise: December
Fundraising doesn’t have to feel lonely. Recharge + Raise is a free monthly virtual gathering hosted by Heart Strategy Impact, designed to give nonprofit fundraisers a supportive space to pause, connect, and grow. Come ready to share ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and leave re-energized for the work ahead.
Beyond the Pride Flag: Understanding the Complex Dynamics of the LGBTQ+ Philanthropic Community
LGBTQ+ philanthropy has deep roots in activism, community care, and resilience. Yet even organizations within the community often struggle to fully understand the motivations and expectations of LGBTQ+ donors today.
Join us for a powerful session designed specifically for LGBTQ+ organizations seeking to deepen donor relationships and communicate with authenticity.
This webinar explores new research uncovering how LGBTQ+ donors engage with causes, what drives their giving, and how organizations can move beyond symbolic representation to create lasting, meaningful impact through genuine connection.
You’ll Learn How To:
Understand the historical context and evolving priorities of LGBTQ+ philanthropy.
Identify the motivations, values, and expectations of LGBTQ+ donors.
Communicate impact authentically and avoid performative engagement.
Build long-term donor relationships rooted in trust, representation, and shared purpose.
Who Should Attend:
Leaders, fundraisers, and communications professionals from LGBTQ+ organizations seeking to strengthen donor engagement strategies and cultivate sustainable community support.
More than One Gift: Involving Donors in your Fundraising Efforts
Discover how involving your donors in your fundraising efforts can revolutionize the way your organization achieves its mission. From storytelling that tugs at the heartstrings to fostering meaningful relationships and offering diverse avenues for involvement, we'll uncover the secrets to inspiring action and driving impact together while helping the fundraising team do their job easier and more effectively. Get ready to ignite passion, cultivate community, and unleash the full potential of your donor champions who are ready to help your cause.
More than One Gift: Involving Donors in your Fundraising Efforts
Discover how involving your donors in your fundraising efforts can revolutionize the way your organization achieves its mission. From storytelling that tugs at the heartstrings to fostering meaningful relationships and offering diverse avenues for involvement, we'll uncover the secrets to inspiring action and driving impact together while helping the fundraising team do their job easier and more effectively. Get ready to ignite passion, cultivate community, and unleash the full potential of your donor champions who are ready to help your cause.
More than One Gift: Involving Donors in your Fundraising Efforts
Discover how involving your donors in your fundraising efforts can revolutionize the way your organization achieves its mission. From storytelling that tugs at the heartstrings to fostering meaningful relationships and offering diverse avenues for involvement, we'll uncover the secrets to inspiring action and driving impact together while helping the fundraising team do their job easier and more effectively. Get ready to ignite passion, cultivate community, and unleash the full potential of your donor champions who are ready to help your cause.
More than One Gift: Involving Donors in your Fundraising Efforts
Discover how involving your donors in your fundraising efforts can revolutionize the way your organization achieves its mission. From storytelling that tugs at the heartstrings to fostering meaningful relationships and offering diverse avenues for involvement, we'll uncover the secrets to inspiring action and driving impact together while helping the fundraising team do their job easier and more effectively. Get ready to ignite passion, cultivate community, and unleash the full potential of your donor champions who are ready to help your cause.