Client Testimonials
CEOS & EXECUTIVE LEADERS
“Courtney’s coaching transformed my role and impact inside the organization. With her guidance, I moved from having no meetings with leadership to leading bi-weekly executive and board-level conversations. The portfolio I manage grew from $4 million to nearly $7 million, and her support helped me secure two salary increases. Courtney is direct, strategic, and deeply invested in the growth of the leaders she coaches.”
— Senior Fundraising Leader, Ballet Company
“As a first-time CEO, having CKF Collective’s partnership gave me real confidence, and the results spoke for themselves. In just three months, we achieved an ROI of 16:1. Their clarity, steadiness, and expertise set us up for long-term success.”
— Darra Gordon, CEO, Family Equality
“Courtney challenged me with the right questions, helped me strengthen my donor pitch, and guided me through tough leadership conversations. Her empathy and strategic insight transformed the way I lead and balance my life.”
— Ruchi Kashyap, CEO, Atmashakti Trust
“As I stepped into a leadership role at a large cultural institution, I was carrying the pressure of needing to prove myself quickly. Courtney helped me let go of what I was bringing from my previous role and step into this one with clarity, confidence, and a grounded leadership mindset. I didn’t just transition into the job. I stepped into it as a leader.”
— Senior Fundraising Leader, Large Arts Organization
“Working with Courtney has been nothing short of life changing. She helped me uncover a confidence I never thought I could reach on my own. I’ll never forget the session when I described how I’d used my relationships to secure funding after a major loss, and she said, ‘It sounds like YOU saved the organization.’ That moment stayed with me. Thank you for speaking life into me when I didn’t see what you saw.”
— Chief Operating Officer, Workforce Development Nonprofit
BOARDS & ORGANIZATIONS
“Their approach supported clarity around our leadership structure, renewed confidence across our board, and strengthened alignment around our shared vision for the future.”
— Carlton Ford, Board Chair, Nu Deco Ensemble
“Her professionalism, rigor, and ability to clarify priorities elevated both our board discussions and organizational decision-making. Her talent for connecting big-picture strategy with actionable next steps had a lasting impact on our work.”
— Ellery Washington, Board Co-Chair, NewFest
"CKF Collective led our organization through a period of rapid transition in development with a steady hand and expert ideas that delivered measurable results, increasing both new and renewed support. From Courtney’s first day, her creativity and deep knowledge of best practices strengthened all areas of fundraising, including individual giving, sponsorships, and grants. Under Courtney and Danielle’s leadership and partnership, our organization learned to embrace a true culture of philanthropy that continues to guide our work. They earned the trust and respect of everyone from board members to junior staff. CKF Collective is exactly the kind of expert you want guiding your organization’s growth."
— Rich Ferraro, Chief Communications Officer, GLAAD
"It has been our pleasure and great fortune to have worked with Courtney Ford as a development advisor for MoBBallet. She is a singular amalgam of expertise and knowledge of her field, deep empathy, allowing her to be a thoughtful and passionate ally, and dogged determination and indefatigable work ethic. As a professional she leads with her humanity and integrity. Courtney has been an invaluable support and resource to MoBBallet."
— Theresa Ruth Howard, Founder and Curator, Memoirs of Blacks in Ballet