Catalyst Collective

Mission-Driven Nonprofit Consultants

We Lift Your Mission—You Lead the Change

Most non profit consulting companies are all about the for-profit business—but not us. Our non-profit consultants have built a bridge for nonprofits to access expert marketing that’s purposefully designed for mission-driven work.

Our marketing strategy goes beyond posting—it focuses on the metrics that drive real impact– building stronger connections, deeper engagement, and lasting support for your mission.
Our Signature Approach
The goal isn’t just to “market” your nonprofit—it’s to empower you to engage with your community, grow your donor base, and create a lasting impact beyond social media metrics or email campaigns. And stories are key. We use storytelling in a way that moves people to action. To feel and take action. To impact.
Our Story Starts with Sunny
Meet the Founder
Hi world changer, I’m Sunny Bray. It means the world to me that you’re here. And it means even more that you’re about to learn my why.

Everything started with my hero: my mom. She was an immigrant woman who came to the States in 1972. She overcame adversity, racism, hate, and judgment to become a successful business owner. It seemed like everything was always against her, but for a woman determined to live “the American Dream” and ensure her child had a life better than hers, she did damn well for herself.

I started my professional career in corporate sales, tech start-ups, and as a consultant for various companies. But my mom inspired me to become a passionate community builder. To be intentional about bringing people together. To create lasting change. I knew I was meant for more.

My mother became very ill in 2023. As she was in and out of the ICU for 2 months, I spent time as a caretaker, wife, mother, and business owner. I was pulled in many directions while processing my mom’s condition and eventually her death in December of that same year. And it’s been hard and challenging in ways I could never have prepared for. But through it all, I have grown my team and business. We are thriving in ways I’ve always dreamed of. I know my mom passed being so proud of me.
Catalyst’s Origin
My journey into nonprofits began with a powerful moment of clarity during a leadership training program in Indianapolis. Seeing Tent City and raising over $46K in just four hours for those in need sparked something deep within me— I wanted to do more than just raise money. Then, I lost my good friend Mack to melanoma at just 27 years old. Watching his impact on others made me reflect on my legacy.

After 11 years in Indianapolis, I returned home in 2015, ready to make a difference in my community. I launched NU40 in September 2016 and began working with a nonprofit headquartered in Atlanta dedicated to using technology to fight poverty and hunger.

I developed solid branding, storytelling, and strategic communications skills. I held roles focused on digital marketing, client relations, and brand development, working alongside some incredible nonprofit consulting organizations. My work in these environments taught me what it takes to build a successful, impactful business—from understanding customer needs to crafting messages that resonate and drive impactful results.

And it felt like a full-circle moment, aligning perfectly with my God-given purpose. In just one year, I made incredible strides—securing $100K in funding, managing $300K+ in technology projects, and building strategic partnerships.

However, I quickly learned how critical integrity and trust are in a small, relationship-driven community. When leadership failed to align with these values, I was asked to resign. That experience only deepened my understanding of the challenges nonprofits face—limited resources and the need for authentic relationships.

I founded Catalyst a year later on a mission to change the world. Now, we empower nonprofits by becoming an integral part of their team, handling everything from branding and website maintenance to comprehensive donor engagement strategies. All ensuring nonprofits can focus on what matters most—creating lasting, positive change in their communities.
“Catalyst Collective is not just an organization; it’s a movement born from loss, love, and a relentless pursuit of a better world.”
Sunny Bray
Meet our Collective
Kylie Irvine
Senior Consultant and Operations Manager
Ashley Hubbard
Storytelling Consultant
Amanda Mazzo
Branding & Graphic Design Consultant
Amanda Nicholson
Storytelling Consultant
Madelyn Stillman
Lead Website Designer & Developer
Gabriela Syzmanowska
Storytelling Consultant
We’re Dedicated to
Mission Driven Purpose
Whether you need a philanthropy consultant, nonprofit fundraising consultant, or marketing in general– everything we do is about your mission. We’re all in on helping nonprofits create real, lasting change. Marketing isn’t just a tool—it’s how you get your mission out there and build deeper connections with those who care about your cause.
Creative Strategy and Collaboration
We believe in smart, creative marketing but as strategic planning consultants for nonprofits, we know it’s not a one-size-fits-all thing. We work with you, side by side, to craft something as unique as your nonprofit. No cookie-cutter stuff here, just thoughtful strategies that get results.
Authenticity and Empathy First
As a consultant for nonprofits, we get the nonprofit world inside and out. Your challenges are real, and we’re here to support you with honesty and transparency. We’ll make sure every step we take aligns with your mission and values. Period.
Be the Catalyst for Change