SANDY WILLIAMS, Fundraising Consultant

My journey into the non-profit sector began in 2004, serving on the board of the Carolina Pregnancy Center. For four years, I contributed to fundraising events, created pathways for planned giving, and provided insight on the organization's strategic plans.

In 2006, I started a business supplying science, geography, and writing curriculum for teachers.  I had a wide market, supplying curriculum to customers across the country and overseas. The experience ignited my passion for writing and helping others to be successful in their pursuits.

In 2009, I founded a speech and debate club, teaching students logical thinking, creative writing, and how to form arguments from different perspectives. The experience enriched my ability to write clearly and think logically.

In 2013, I volunteered with a local non-profit that was opening a school for underserved boys. My role evolved into a hired position where I began honing my grant-writing skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals.

In 2021, I was appointed as Development Director at another local non-profit. Over the course of roughly two years, I wrote 31 successful grants and secured approximately $250,000 in funding. I also developed strategic fundraising plans that included two major campaigns each raising over $200,000 and increased the nonprofit’s revenue by 50%.

In 2024, I founded Vision Bridge Strategies to broaden my impact in the non-profit sector. My goal is to leverage my experience in strategic planning, fundraising, and grant writing to support both non-profit and for-profit businesses in North Carolina and beyond.

Professional Organization Memberships

  • The Grant Professionals Association is an international membership association for everyone in the grants industry.

    GPA helps grant professionals seek to continually improve their professional knowledge and skills in grant research, proposal development, and post-award grant management. We set the standard with our commitment to ethical practices, our high-quality educational offerings, excellence in resources, and our community of professionals committed to serving the public good.

  • Established in 2016, the North Carolina Chapter is comprised of grant professionals from across the state working in a variety of sectors, including local and state government, education, and healthcare. As a new chapter, we are excited about growing grantsmanship in North Carolina, and we are committed to carry out GPA’s mission to serve the greater public good by practicing the highest ethical and professional standards.  

  • The AFP provides professional development in the following areas:

    Ethics and Trust. As champions of ethical fundraising, fundraising professionals work to increase public trust in charitable giving. We are accountable to donors and their organizations to perform to the highest standards. We practice courage and integrity in the stewardship of private and public resources.

    Professional Preparation. Fundraising professionals are prepared to serve as leaders and mentors within and on behalf of our organizations. We embrace continuing education and credentialing as pathways to advance in all stages of our professional careers. We use knowledge and skills to strengthen our organizations and communities. We understand, promote and share best practices to use and grow the fundraising body of knowledge.

    Advancing Philanthropy. Fundraising professionals are leaders in developing a culture of philanthropy within our organizations and communities. We train staff, boards and volunteers in ethical and effective fundraising practices. We work across organizations and nations to advance positive social good.

  • A voluntary credential recognized worldwide, the CFRE signifies a confident, ethical fundraising professional.

    It is how today’s fundraiser shows accountability, service, and commitment to making a difference for good. We believe the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential is vital to a fundraiser’s professional growth and that it sets the standard for ethical practice in the sector.

    Sandy is currently working toward this certification.

  • Heart for ENC is a resource center for nonprofits that provide resources and tools to help equip nonprofit leaders as they serve the community.

    Heart for ENC facilitates a variety of group training sessions throughout the year which are focused on 3 Core Competencies that are critical to the success of any organization:  Leadership Development, Organizational Effectiveness, and Resource Sustainability.

How we can help you!

Vision Bridge Strategies provides consulting services that grows your vision by providing leadership training and utilizing creative strategies in strategic planning, fundraising, and grant procurement. If your organization needs these services to bridge the gap between your vision and the resources you needs, schedule your free consultation today!