• Host CNWF’s first fundraising event to raise $50K

• Fund a student mentorship trip and long-term mentorship program

• Launch Build Up Black Upstate SC (coming in 2026)

• Provide business scholarship grants to Black entrepreneurs

Planning & Collaboration

• Weekly strategy sessions with clear roles and task tracking

• Tools used: Monday.com for project management, Excel for auction logistics

• Partnered with Peculiar, CNWF’s marketing firm, for design, graphics, and brand visibility

Event Execution

• Managed vendor outreach, event coordination, guest communications, and sponsor relations

• Hosted an in-person silent auction, blending community engagement with fundraising

Delegation & Teamwork

• AC Creative Collective coordinated and delegated with precision—engaging a network of women-led businesses to amplify impact

• Raised over $60,000

• Fully funded a student service trip to the Dominican Republic

• Awarded two business scholarships

• Began planning Build Up Black Upstate SC (2026)

• Strengthened both organizations’ reputations and reach in the community

• Start Early
  We pulled off a great event in 2-3 months, but having more lead time would have reduced stress and improved flow.

• Simplify
  A virtual-in-person hybrid auction added complexity. Next time, we’ll keep it fully in-person for better results.

• Lean on Partners
  Our corporate sponsors and creative collaborators were key to success. Building strong partnerships will remain a priority for future events.

• Debrief & Plan Ahead
  We held a post-event debrief within a week—reviewing what worked and what didn’t to improve future efforts.

Both CNWF and AC Creative Collective are deeply committed to equity and Black empowerment. This partnership showcased how collaboration—rooted in aligned values—can create impact beyond the event itself.

AC Creative Collective exists to support mission-driven organizations with strategy, planning, and execution, so they can focus on what they do best: creating change.