MEET US
We are a team of funding strategists, researchers, and philanthropic advisors helping mission-driven nonprofits grow the support they need to amplify their impact.
About usWe bring strategy, candor, and clarity to the fundraising process
Founded in 2023, we set out with a clear mission: to help nonprofits build strong, effective funding strategies that actually support their work.
Since then, we’ve helped clients secure over $10M in funding and expanded our services to include individual giving strategy, annual and major gift campaigns, fundraising systems and operations for small teams, and comprehensive organizational fund development.
What sets us apart is our commitment to bridging the equity, knowledge, and resource gap between small, grassroots organizations and the massive billion-dollar nonprofits.
[Courtney] quickly proved herself as the best grant writer we had had during my tenure, and she remains one of the most outstanding staff members I have hired in my career.
-Llewellyn Crain, Director of Philanthropy
San Diego Opera
We are driven by a desire to simplify and streamline fundraising for nonprofits so they can maximize their impact
Our team
Courtney Oliphant
CEO/Co-Founder/PrincipalCourtney Oliphant, GPC brings over 12 years of experience in nonprofit grant consulting and management. Driven by a passion for supporting under-resourced communities and fostering impactful change, she is dedicated to helping organizations unlock their fundraising potential.
Juliana Choi
CO-FounderJuliana Choi received a BA in English from UC Berkeley and an MA in Literature from UC San Diego. She is a San Diego-based grant writer supporting arts and cultural institutions and humanitarian nonprofits. Prior to her work as a grant writer, she taught writing and modern Japanese literature courses at UCSD and provided digital content for an educational non-profit. Her passion project is Special Education advocacy.
Doug Oliphant
COO/PrincipalDoug Oliphant brings 7 years of on-the-ground experience in development departments that raised between $2.5M and $11M annually, establishing expertise in major gift solicitation, prospect pipeline development, annual fund campaign strategy, and operations. He is driven by a deep belief in nonprofits' ability to unite communities and transform lives, and the philanthropic people who make it all possible.
AJ Dinsmore
Grants MANAGER & Research SpecialistAJ Dinsmore brings 5 years experience in grantwriting and nonprofit strategy development. They are driven by a deep passion for supporting under-resourced communities and helping to build a more equitable and diverse world.
Niña Caballero
GrantS account ManagerNiña Caballero, MST, is a grant development professional with experience in foundation relations and grant strategy. She has helped secure more than $1 million in funding for mission-driven organizations. Her work bridges program implementation and fundraising, partnering with nonprofit leaders to translate complex initiatives into compelling, funder-aligned investment opportunities that advance organizational growth and community impact.
Niña has a special interest in disability advocacy and is passionate about advancing initiatives that expand access, strengthen communities, and create equitable opportunities for children and families.
Setayesh Feizi
GrantS ACCOUNT ManagerSetayesh received her B.A. in Communications from the University of California, Santa Barbara. A San Diego native, she has more than five years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including three years specializing in grant writing and grant management. She is passionate about helping mission-driven organizations secure funding and develop sustainable programs that create lasting community impact.
Carrie Buchan
Office ManagerCarrie Buchan has over 30 years as a business professional in both the nonprofit and commercial sectors. With a wealth of experience in leadership development, strategic planning, and public relations, she has a passion for driving organizations toward their goals.
Kathleen Buckley
Grant ManagerKathleen (Katie) Buckley, GPC is a certified grant strategist based in Saint John and Toronto, Canada. She has helped secure over $3.5 million and specializes in non-profit grant writing and consulting for arts and culture programs.
Dillon Hoban
Fundraising ConsultantDillon Hoban brings almost 10 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and donor engagement, with a background in annual giving, events, and campaign strategy for arts and mission-driven organizations. He has supported development programs raising millions annually through pointed donor stewardship, prospect pipeline development, and data-informed fundraising strategy. Dillon is passionate about helping organizations build lasting relationships with supporters and create meaningful philanthropic impact.
John Paul Corton
MARKETING SPECIALISTWith a BS in Development Communication and a background in filmmaking, storyteller John Paul leverages his niche in creative branding to help companies stand out. He is a Marketing Specialist experienced in digital marketing, content creation, graphic design, video editing, and web design, dedicated to elevating brand presence through engaging, strategic visual narratives.
Stephen Mark Cundangan
Data Management SPECIALISTStephen Mark Cundangan is an administrative professional with over 11 years of experience in administration, helping organizations streamline operations, improve processes, and build efficient systems. He currently supports Coastal Nonprofit Consulting as a Data Management VA, ensuring accurate donor data management and organization while remaining committed to fostering a well-organized and structured workplace that supports business objectives and long-term growth.
We bring a fresh perspective and a diversity of experience to the fundraising process.
We blend grant writing, fundraising and operations know-how with wide-ranging lived and professional experiences that bring depth and a unique lens to this work.
Our team’s passion for the arts extends beyond our work
You can find our team members:
Co-producing and writing podcasts
Serving on boards that promote arts, culture, and social justice
Supporting local theater through fundraising and advocacy
Writing grants for fun (true story: AJ was successfully accepted into a prestigious writer’s program from one of her submissions)
Outside of the arts, we’re a team that loves to get outside, explore and spend time with our families.
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