Welcome to Catalyst

Fundraising Strategy for Nonprofits Ready to Grow

Build the fundraising infrastructure your mission deserves. Based in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Regan Hizer serves nonprofits nationwide with over 25 years of strategic fundraising experience.

Watch Video

about us

about catalyst

Fundraising Built on Systems and Trust

At Catalyst, we believe strong fundraising is built on two things: clear communication and dependable systems. When those are in place, donors feel confident, relationships deepen, and missions move forward. We partner with nonprofits in Southeast Michigan to build fundraising infrastructure that works—so you can focus on the impact, not the chaos.

Systems That Sustain

We build donor management systems, workflows, and processes that reduce staff overwhelm and create predictable revenue.

Strategy That Connects

We craft compelling messaging and donor engagement strategies that turn one-time gifts into lasting relationships.

Services

Comprehensive strategic fundraising

Fundraising Architecture Build

Comprehensive 12-month infrastructure development

Fundraising Architecture Optimization

Strengthen and refine what you already have

Capital Campaign Design & Implementation

Strategic campaign planning from silent phase to public launch

Signature Events

High-ROI events that build momentum and generate revenue

why choose us

Build fundraising confidence in systems and strategy

Partner with an expert who understands the challenges nonprofits face. We bring 25+ years of experience building fundraising infrastructure that creates sustainable revenue, stronger donor relationships, and the clarity your team needs to move forward with confidence.

Infrastructure You Can Trust

Stop relying on spreadsheets and guesswork. We build integrated donor systems with clear workflows that your entire team can use with confidence.

Relationships That Grow

Move beyond transactional asks. We help you cultivate authentic donor connections that deepen over time and fuel sustainable support.

25+

Years Building Systems

3x+

Average Revenue Growth

12

Month Typical Engagement

100%

Local Focus

Let's strengthen the systems, and build the relationships that drive meaningful fundraising.

how it works

Get started with our simple process

01

Schedule a Discovery Call

We'll discuss your fundraising challenges, organizational goals, and explore which services align best with your needs and capacity.

02

Receive Your Custom Plan

Based on our conversation, we'll develop a tailored proposal outlining scope, timeline, deliverables, and investment for your unique situation.

03

Build Systems Together

We work alongside your team to implement systems, train staff, and create sustainable infrastructure that continues delivering results.

Fundraising Infrastructure Donor Systems Capital Campaigns Annual Giving Event Strategy Recurring Donors Major Gifts Pledge Drives Campaign Design Donor Cultivation
Fundraising Infrastructure Donor Systems Capital Campaigns Annual Giving Event Strategy Recurring Donors Major Gifts Pledge Drives Campaign Design Donor Cultivation

Start With a Free Consultation

70K+

Average Fundraising Improvement

Tell us about your fundraising challenges and goals. We'll help identify gaps and opportunities.

testimonials

Real stories transformation and growth

Sarah Miller

Washtenaw Youth Services

"When we lost two major grants in the same year. Regan didn't just sympathize, she showed us exactly how to diversify our revenue. Six months in, we had our first major donor, a working event model, and a recurring donor program bringing in $3K/month."

Jeff Stevens

Ypsilanti Food Cooperative

"Regan built systems that actually fit our capacity, with simple workflows, plug-and-play templates, and a donor pipeline I can manage in my sleep. For the first time in years, I'm not working weekends trying to figure out who to thank or who to ask next."

FAQs

Answers to common fundraising questions

We're working consultants, not just advisors. We don't hand you a plan and disappear—we build systems alongside you, train your staff hands-on, and ensure everything is sustainable and repeatable. With 25+ years of experience and deep roots in Southeast Michigan, we understand both fundraising best practices and the unique challenges of our local nonprofit community.

We specialize in small to mid-size nonprofits in Southeast Michigan—typically organizations with annual budgets between $250K-$3M. Whether you have no development staff, a one-person shop, or a small team, we build systems that match your capacity and help you grow sustainably.

While we're rooted in Ypsilanti, we serve nonprofits throughout Southeast Michigan, including Ann Arbor, Detroit, and surrounding communities in Washtenaw, Wayne, and Oakland counties. We focus on this region because we understand the unique fundraising landscape and community dynamics.

Most engagements run 6-12 months, depending on the scope. Our Architecture Build is a full 12-month program with four post-implementation consults. Optimization projects also run 12 months with monthly support calls. Campaign design and event planning timelines vary based on your specific needs and launch dates.

Still have a question?

(734) 276 1193

Latest blog

Explore our latest fundraising insights