About Us - Spark Point

We Equip Organizations to Ignite Social Change and Build a More Just World

We’re passionate about the work we do: advancing the work of world-changing organizations, and increasing their impact with our expertise.

We exist to ignite a spark, to give our clients newfound energy and enthusiasm for the fundraising and grant writing efforts that propel their missions.

We are champions for ‌organizations working hard so their communities can thrive. Our values are the fuel that drives us.

OUR VALUES

Kindness – We aim to always treat each other and our clients with kindness and care, respecting our shared humanity and making space for our varied life experiences. It’s infused into everything we do.

Ingenuity – The same old, same old doesn’t fly. We know what works, but we also know areas for improvement when we see them. We don’t rest on our laurels; we plant new seeds.

Integrity – We operate with an unabashed commitment to honesty and justice. We honor the commitments we have made to our clients, because we value the trust you have invested in us.

Equity – We are ambassadors for equity and have a deep commitment to creating a level playing field, both within and beyond our company.

Nonprofit Sector – We understand and value the nonprofit sector for its ability to change the world in meaningful and important ways.

A Commitment to Ending Racism – Our commitment to equity is not superficial. We, like many organizations, are on a journey to eliminate racism and White supremacy from our operations.

Everyone has something meaningful to contribute. And we empower everyone to learn and grow. That’s how we foster change that endures.

Join us by emailing work@spark-point.com to see if we have any openings.

Our Team

Whitney Brimfield

Founder & CEO

Whitney knows how to get things done. With more than 20 years of experience, she can cut through the clutter, identify opportunities, and guide you to the right fundraising strategies to fuel your mission now and in the future.

Whitney has more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, business development, and social enterprise at the local, state, and national level. During her career she has worked in public health, education, health policy, youth development, the environment, and the arts, raising millions of dollars for a variety of causes.

Along the way, she's written hundreds of grants, designed highly successful development strategies, coached Boards of Directors and executive leadership to overcome fundraising fears, engaged corporate donors, and built profitable membership programs. She brings a marketing eye to resource development, always thinking about how an organization's communications and messaging must dovetail with its investor outreach.

As Spark Point's CEO, she leads client engagements, providing strategic guidance and detail-driven implementation. She is as energized by charting strategic directions and finding solutions as she is by day-to-day program management. She is a sought after strategist and go-to team member.

She holds a Master of Health Science from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a Bachelors from Haverford College. In her free time she enjoys creative pursuits like photography, painting, and improv and spending time with friends and family.

Bre Swims

Managing Director

Bre solves problems – and if a solution doesn’t exist, she will build one herself. A seasoned political operative with years of experience managing people, systems, and budgets, Bre is the one you want keeping an eye on operations so that Spark Point can deliver for you.

In her 10 years of experience, Bre has managed million plus dollar budgets on Capitol Hill, run the federal agriculture portfolio for the New York State Executive Chamber, and overseen the digital fundraising programs for numerous Members of Congress, PACs, and 501(c)4 organizations.

As the Managing Director at Spark Point, Bre ensures that project management systems and workflows are functioning seamlessly for both team members and clients. She also collaborates with the leadership team to set the strategic vision for client relations, marketing, and operations. Once the vision is set, Bre leads operations with both the tenacity of a political strategist and the people-first focus of a trained conflict resolution facilitator.

Bre has deep southern roots. She is a native Georgian and her family has owned multiple dirt race tracks in the state for more than fifty years. For school, she attended the University of Alabama, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, two minors in Italian and Women’s Studies, and a Master of Arts in Gender and Race Studies. In 2016, she won the National Dialogue Award from the Sustained Dialogue Institute, alongside the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

When she’s not building systems or closing loops, you can find Bre volunteering on local political races, petting every dog she passes on the street, eating far too much sushi, powerlifting, or exploring her new home of Seattle, WA.

Coryn Harris

Director of Client Services

Coryn knows the reality and challenges of leading a fundraising effort. She is a strategist with almost two decades of front-line fundraising experience, giving her a deep understanding of the work.

Before Spark Point, Coryn served as the Chief Advancement Officer at the YWCA of Asheville and WNC. She is passionate about social justice and brings an equity lens to development and fundraising.

Coryn found her passion for nonprofit work when she was 19 years old. With over two decades of experience in Advancement and Strategic Development working alongside a variety of nonprofit organizations, Coryn has raised millions in funding for the organizations with which she has worked.

During her career, Coryn has worked with health care organizations, educational institutions, and community resource organizations. She has created performance management solutions to ensure funding guidelines are met, encouraged better outcomes for program participants, and guided racial justice, development, communications and marketing efforts. Coryn works to keep racial justice at the forefront and understands the inestimable value of a diverse range of views and the importance of teamwork and collaboration.

As Spark Point’s Director of Fundraising Strategy, Coryn will work with the Leadership team to advance Spark Point toward our goals of growth and equitable advancement within the nonprofit fundraising sector. She will use her considerable strategic know-how to not only help develop Spark Point internally but also apply this expertise toward creating effective and actionable fundraising plans for our incredible clients.

Coryn has a Master of Public Affairs with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from Western Carolina University, and a Bachelor from the University of Iowa. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, reading, volunteering, and traveling with her young son.

Hannah Paton

Head Writer

Hannah sees connections. With experience that spans public health, higher education, economic development, and more, she has the perspective you need to connect the dots between your work and your funders’ interests for winning grant proposals.

Hannah is an experienced grant writer with more than seven years of experience in grants development and administration, events coordination, community engagement, and volunteer management for nonprofits of all sizes. Her varied background allows her to see how your organization is driving change in the communities that you serve, and she can articulate that vision to secure the support you need to be successful. As a grant writer at Spark Point Fundraising, Hannah works with clients to develop winning proposals that sustain your mission and catalyze long-term change. Her favorite part about grant writing is learning new information from experts in the field.

Prior to joining Spark Point, Hannah served as the Grants Development Manager for North Idaho College, where she supported grant projects that led to the launch of the Venture Center and Product Development Lab – which serves as a hub of entrepreneurship and innovation in northern Idaho – and the creation of the Children’s Center Outdoor Learning Environment. The common thread throughout all of her work is her ability to connect with and amplify voices of people working to create a better world.

Hannah’s love of art and theater first led her to non-profit work. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Acting from the University of Montana and a Certificate in Grants Management from Management Concepts, a strategic partner of the Grant Professionals Association. Hannah enjoys painting, playing the ukulele, and reading science fiction in her spare time.

Caroline Santos

Operations and Marketing Manager

Caroline knows support is key to success. Her attentiveness, passion for teamwork, and thoughtful communication will help keep you on-track to meeting – and exceeding! – your fundraising goals.

As an Operations Manager, Caroline brings impeccable organizing skills to her work with clients: She supports client teams in tracking action items, managing files, developing social media content, and conducting research. Prior to joining Spark Point, Caroline volunteered with nonprofits in her home state of Florida. She provided tutoring, supervision, and mentorship to children at the Peaceful Paths Domestic Violence Agency, and provided administrative and fundraising support to the Lotus House Women’s Shelter. Caroline’s experience with these organizations inspired her to learn more about the nonprofit sector and its vital role in building a supportive community.

Caroline completed her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Florida, where she studied political institutions and the power of advocacy. Through her work with Spark Point, she is excited to develop a deeper understanding of social problems and the organizations working to fix them. In her free time, she loves to cook, hang out with friends, and going to the beach.

Sera Gorucu

Client Manager and Strategy Specialist

Sera is an advocate. With a thoughtful approach and a keen eye for detail, she is dedicated to getting your voice heard – helping drive resources to your mission, and your community.

Sera is a driven young professional who wants to make an impact with her career. As a Client Manager and Strategy Specialist, she is manages grant writing projects for clients working to reduce poverty, confront homeless, and advance equity across the DC metro area, while also leading special projects and supporting the growth of the Fundraising Strategy Team. A skilled writer and collector of time management strategies, she is eager to work with organizations that are devoted to the progress of their communities.

Prior to joining Spark Point, Sera was a Project 55 Fellow for the Illinois State Board of Education. In this role, she assisted with the management of Board meetings and facilitated discussions on a book study meant to help raise racial consciousness throughout the agency and promote the making of equitable decisions for Illinois' students. She also has several years of volunteer experience in education and youth/peer mentorship.

Sera holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Princeton University. In her free time, you’ll find her on a walk with a podcast in her ears or catching up on TV shows with friends.

Billy Kennedy

Senior Operations Associate

Billy prides himself in finding connections where others only see difference. With his experience in health education, digital marketing, social science research, international development, and project management systems, he has the empathy and know-how to not only meet you wherever you are on your journey, but also to organize your work in a way that will keep you on-track towards your fundraising goals.

As an Operations Associate, Billy brings an eye for detail to his work with our clients: he supports our client teams by tracking action items, managing workflows, and conducting research. Before joining Spark Point, Billy served for a year as a VISTA member at Turning the Page, a nonprofit in Washington, DC. There, he supported their senior leadership team with donor outreach, assisted in the necessary pivoting from in-person to online programming, and formalized their digital communications. Billy also oversees Instagram and Twitter content for the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Washington, DC. These experiences have inspired him to learn more about philanthropy and its role in liberating communities.

A born-and-bred Marylander, Billy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics with a minor in Astronomy from the University of Maryland, College Park. He is also a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, having served for three months in South Africa as a Community HIV/AIDS Outreach Coordinator. When he isn’t optimizing communications or building systems, you can find Billy painting, reading, planning his next trip, or volunteering in his hometown of Greenbelt.

Madeline Smith

Grant Writer

Madeline sees the big picture. She sorts through complex ideas, identifying clear goals and concise narratives to help you achieve your vision and illuminate your organization’s mission.

A compassionate listener and strategic communicator, Madeline uses her curiosity and storytelling skills to bring her clients’ missions and ideas to life in writing. With her years of experience in education, she embodies the power of collaboration, working to understand your mission at the granular level and then build out narratives that reflect your impact. Madeline’s detail-oriented, change-driven approach helps capture your organization’s work in language that will invite and sustain long-term relationships.

Madeline holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Spanish from DePauw University, as well as a Master of Arts in English from the University of South Carolina, where she taught first-year English while completing her degree. When she’s not tackling her reading list, you’ll find her baking, taking a long walk, or, most likely, playing fetch with her dog, Dottie.

Nadia Elamin

Operations Associate

Nadia is dedicated to excellence, and she understands the pivotal role of support in client success. Her enthusiasm for collaboration, attention to detail, and clear communication ensures that clients are on-track to meet their fundraising goals.

With a background rooted in nonprofit management, Nadia has honed her skills in various areas, including operations, administration, and customer experience. As an Operations Associate, Nadia expertly navigates the complexities of projects, lending a strategic eye to every detail. She skillfully supports client teams by tracking action items, managing workflows, and conducting research.

Having earned a Master's degree in Public Administration with a focus on Public & Nonprofit Management from the University of Pittsburgh, Nadia's passion for addressing societal inequities has led her to diverse experiences. Prior to joining Spark Point, Nadia worked at Global Press as an Operations Manager building and coordinating internal systems. She also worked as an Administrative Coordinator at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, where she supported grantmaking processes, event coordination, and community collaboration. Nadia is passionate about leaving a lasting, positive mark on the world through her work in the nonprofit sector and, now, with Spark Point. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her friends, pets, and family. She also likes to spend time in nature, bird watch, and travel.

Sydney Joseph

Grant Writer

Sydney is a storyteller. She recognizes your organization’s intrinsic worth and strives to shift power from funders to grantseekers through compelling, authentic, and accurate proposals – because your story deserves to be heard.

Sydney has grant writing, research, and development experience in higher education and marine conservation, as well as a background in supporting nonprofits who provide services to and empower people who are incarcerated. As a grant writer, she is able to turn complex information into captivating narratives that celebrate an organization’s strengths and impact. She has strong attention to detail and communication skills, and she centers empathy and equity in her work. At her core, Sydney is a connector, helping to build strategic partnerships and meaningful relationships between people and organizations.

Born and raised in the Midwest, Sydney holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Public Affairs and Nonprofit Management from Indiana University as well as certificates in Principles of Fundraising and Developing Major Gifts from the Lilly School of Philanthropy. In her free time, Sydney loves reading, rock climbing, drinking too much coffee, and spending time with loved ones.

Kalen Busby

Grant Writer

Kalen is a business-minded creative. They balance the complexities of big picture projects with a keen eye for detail.

Based in Montgomery, AL and a lifelong Alabamian, Kalen carries with them the cultural significance of Southern storytelling. They have a love for language and are fascinated by the ways we share information and communicate experiences. Their interest in grant writing grew out of experiences with local nonprofits and seeing continued tensions between material action and securing adequate funding. They are excited to bring their knack for language and efficiency to help clients articulate their vision and fund their missions to drive change.

Prior to joining Spark Point, Kalen taught English and spent time in outdoor education. They hold a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and English from Troy University. In their free time, Kalen can be found in the woods, reading, and scheming ways to build resilient communities alongside friends.

Dani Faulkner

Client Manager

Dani is more than just a development professional; she is a powerhouse who excels at creating impactful, community-centric solutions.

With nearly 15 years of experience in board development, grant writing, and fundraising strategy, Dani is renowned for her commitment to helping organizations secure the funding needed to drive meaningful change.

Throughout her career, Dani has not only mastered the intricacies and politics within organizations, but has also worn many development hats within them. Her expertise spans every facet of fundraising, from crafting compelling grant proposals to managing complex campaigns to acting as board liaison. Her work is driven by a dedication to elevating organizations and amplifying their missions.

Dani’s strategic mindset and unwavering commitment to equity have led her to develop comprehensive revenue plans, establish corporate sponsorships, and innovate traditional development approaches. Her work is grounded in transparency and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion. As a grant writer and strategist, Dani ensures that development efforts are values-driven and sustainable.

At Spark Point, Dani will partner with nonprofits to unlock their potential, build sustainable relationships with funders, and advance their missions. She will focus on educating and empowering development professionals as well as collaborating with leadership to foster growth and equity in the nonprofit sector. Her passion for uplifting underrepresented communities will ensure that nonprofits raise funds in ways that benefit the people they serve.

Dani holds degrees from Goucher College and Georgetown University. Outside of her professional life, she is a playwright, a foodie, and a co-parent of twins. She enjoys traveling, self-care, and volunteering in her free time.

We’re Spark Point

We Equip Organizations to Ignite Social Change and Build a More Just World

OUR VALUES

Our Team

Whitney Brimfield

Founder & CEO

Bre Swims

Managing Director

Coryn Harris

Director of Client Services

Hannah Paton

Head Writer

Caroline Santos

Operations and Marketing Manager

Sera Gorucu

Client Manager and Strategy Specialist

Billy Kennedy

Senior Operations Associate

Madeline Smith

Grant Writer

Nadia Elamin

Operations Associate

Sydney Joseph

Grant Writer

Kalen Busby

Grant Writer

Dani Faulkner

Client Manager