Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary

Client Overview
Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary in Hollywood, South Carolina, is a long-term care refuge for special-needs and likely unadoptable animals. For decades, they’ve filled a critical gap in the Lowcountry’s no kill, animal welfare network, offering lifelong sanctuary when other shelters cannot.

The Challenge
When Hallie Hill approached Calloway Stern Group (CSG) in early 2024, they were in the midst of a significant growth moment. Their facility expansion was nearly complete, but they still needed to raise $4 million to fund the new building, and before the campaign even launched, the Board decided to add a second structure to the plan.

A traditional capital campaign framework didn’t fit this evolving situation. The organization needed an adaptable partner who could balance structure with flexibility - helping them finish the build, strengthen donor engagement, and set up systems for long-term sustainability.

Our Approach
CSG recognizes that no two campaigns are alike, and cookie-cutter fundraising playbooks don’t always work in real-world conditions. Instead of applying a rigid formula, the team worked alongside Hallie Hill’s leadership to build a campaign infrastructure that could evolve as the project expanded.

Phase 1: Capital Campaign Infrastructure & Board Engagement

• Conducted a feasibility study and landscape analysis to determine donor capacity and community alignment.

• Completed a wealth screen and segmentation of existing donors to uncover major gift potential.

• Crafted a compelling case for support and branded campaign materials to unify messaging.

• Trained and coached the Board in major donor cultivation and solicitation, empowering them to confidently champion the campaign.

• Built internal systems for stewardship and reporting to sustain long-term fundraising beyond the campaign.
  

Phase 2: Executive Search for Development Leadership

Once the campaign foundation was in place, CSG helped Hallie Hill identify the right leadership to carry it forward.

• Led a boutique executive search to hire a Development Director with a growth mindset, dedicated to implementing the campaign strategies.

• Conducted on-site culture assessments, stakeholder interviews, and candidate profiling to ensure mission alignment.

• Advanced a diverse slate of candidates and supported the hiring process through final selection and onboarding.

• Continued support post-hire with 30 and 60-day check-ins to ensure successful integration and momentum.
  

The Outcome
By customizing both the campaign strategy and the talent search, CSG helped Hallie Hill move from an apprehensive capital effort to a fully operational campaign poised for success.

The partnership resulted in:

• A clear, actionable roadmap for achieving a $4M fundraising goal

• A trained and engaged Board of Directors ready to champion major donor relationships

• A new Development Director hire equipped to execute the campaign and sustain growth

Most importantly, Hallie Hill gained confidence in their ability to steward resources, communicate their impact, and grow their mission, without feeling constrained by traditional campaign models.

CSG Perspective
“At Calloway Stern Group, we believe that every nonprofit’s story, and every campaign, has its own rhythm. Our role is to listen, adapt, and build systems that empower leaders to fundraise authentically. Hallie Hill is a perfect example of how flexibility and strategy can coexist.”

Key Takeaways

• Customized Strategy: Capital campaign frameworks are only effective when they fit the organization’s unique circumstances.

• Empowered Leadership: Board engagement and development staff alignment are equally critical to campaign success.

• Sustainable Systems: CSG ensures that campaign infrastructure supports long-term donor relationships, not just short-term goals.