In early 2018, principals of Columns Fundraising sat with Susan Bacon, Founder and President of Palmetto Grants Consulting, and executed an acquisition that allowed all involved to grow in exciting new ways. Columns Fundraising doubled the size of their firm with the stroke of a pen and clients on both sides gained new allies in their mission to grow their charitable missions.

Principals and Partners of Columns Fundraising include Wesley K. Wicker, Mark R. Wilkison, Scott H. Sikes, and J. David Carico. This seasoned team has deep roots in the philanthropic community, collectively offering more than a century of experience in resource development for charitable organizations. Their client base is strong in the metro Atlanta market where they are headquartered, but their reach stretches from coast to coast.

As Columns and PGC began to explore this venture, the cultures of both firms proved very congruent. Both were deeply dedicated to building long-term client relationships based on mutual trust and respect, maintaining high-quality work standards and exceeding clients’ expectations. Palmetto’s and Columns’ portfolios parlayed beautifully together offering a wealth of expertise across non-profit sectors such as Education, Healthcare, Health & Human Services, Arts & Museums, Municipalities, and Religious and Fraternal Organizations.

Columns’ portfolio of services is robust, including strategic planning, internal development assessment, executive search, feasibility studies, major and planned gift initiatives, comprehensive capital campaigns, and now grant resource development services. The new grant resource development services expands their reach to include grant readiness, assessments, funding research, grant writing, proposal submissions and reporting, grant workshops, and staff coaching.

Bacon reflects, “In 2009 when I launched Palmetto Grants Consulting, I had no idea how rewarding this work would be. We received awards from some of the most prestigious foundations in the country generating millions of d.ollars for our clients. Together we have empowered great work and helped achieve the goals of our clients. Columns Fundraising is truly one of the best non-profit consulting firms in the business, and I could not be happier to fold my firm into theirs to help my clients reach new heights.” 

David Carico, who is leading the charge at Columns to operationally blend the teams, shares, “This could not be a more perfect blend of companies, as PCG’s niche adds to our menu of consulting services.  We have been very intentional at Columns to build a team of consummate professionals who are masterful at their work. Palmetto’s grant writers are some of the very best in their field and we are thrilled to bring their expertise to our firm.” By joining the two firms, Columns now offers the full continuum of fundraising services, allowing them to offer support in the planning and campaign phases of fundraising, as well as in the long-term resource sustainability stage.

Though their client base spans nationally, Columns’ work is community-centric and customized to the unique needs of every client. Carico says, “Resource development is vital for charitable organizations. We are excited to continue to expand the breadth and depth of our services for our clients. They’ve got big goals, and our growing team stands ready to roll up our sleeves and  support them in their vital work.”