Tarsha Whitaker Calloway

Tarsha Whitaker Calloway

Tarsha Whitaker Calloway serves as vice president of philanthropy for Tessitura Network. For almost two decades, Tarsha has helped nonprofits develop fundraising, board governance and fundraising strategies to further their mission. Tarsha has directly led efforts to raise more than $50 million for the nonprofit organizations, including the Woodruff Arts Center, Emory University and the American Cancer Society. She frequently presents locally, regionally and nationally on fundraising; organizational and board development; and diversity and philanthropy.

Outside of work, Tarsha has a monthly column in NonProfit PRO magazine and is actively involved in her community, including board of trustees for Destination Imagination, board of directors’ executive committee for Leadership DeKalb, board of directors for National HBCU Hall of Fame and former board chair for Atlanta Shakespeare Theater. Tarsha holds a master’s of business administration in international business from Mercer University Stetson School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and theater from Texas Southern University. She also holds certificate in current affairs fundraising from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University and a certificate in diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace from South Florida University.

Tarsha resides in Atlanta with her husband and son.

Building the Plane While We Fly It: 5 Ways for Nonprofit Leaders to Successfully Land in 2022

I have used the phrase, “We’re building the plane while we fly it,” as part of my mantra. Initially, I thought it was a professionally acceptable way to say, “We have no idea. We’re making it up as we go and we will get there with a solid outcome,” but most recently I realized what it means, and I discovered why it is a good line of thinking in the current landscape for nonprofit leaders.

Funding Beyond Borders: Corporate Philanthropy in a Global Environment

The increasing trend toward globalization in the past 30 years has changed the way American interests do business. As America’s preeminent companies find themselves competing for markets and influence outside the United States, the targets of their philanthropic efforts have also shifted.

Make the Ask for Year-End Giving

Although it may seem like you are competing with every other fundraiser who is making year-end asks, donors have become more intentional and savvier about how and to what causes they give. It’s a simple fact that has been proven time and again in fundraising studies and research: People give to charity at the end of the year.

A Shift from Fundraising to Philanthropy

I’ve been engaging donors to support important mission work, special projects and the next big gala for a few years now, and I have noticed a new use of the word “philanthropy” in place of “fundraising.” It is not a bad approach but it has the potential to shift many attitudes for varied reasons...

Planning Your Post-COVID-19 Fundraising Strategy

At the onset of the coronavirus pandemic with business closures and sheltering in place across the country, nonprofit organizations scrambled to deal with their new reality, which included the uncertainty of fundraising, budget cuts and laid-off employees. Most nonprofits began to settle into a cautious routine with most asking, “What should we do next?”...

Mission-Focused Fundraising in the Current Political Climate

I received an onslaught of emails with subject lines showing a political candidate’s name. It was an invitation to contribute to one of many campaigns during this mid-year election season. "Max out at $2,700 is a solid show of support," claimed some of the pitches I received...

The Future of Philanthropy, Part 1: Onboarding and the Next Generation

Today’s most forward-thinking nonprofits understand that the ability to tap into the enthusiasm and energies of a committed pool of executives can mean the difference between success and failure. Properly applied, the leadership provided by such executives can pay dividends in a number of different ways...

A New Age in America: Donors and Diverse Philanthropy

In the last edition of Fundraising Connection, I discussed the need for fundraisers to consider a more diverse donor base in order to fully realize the potential of their fundraising efforts. Most fundraisers view diverse communities as despaired or underserved and do not recognize the growing wealth and giving potential that exist in communities of color.

A Philanthropic Journey: Purpose Greater Than Myself

I never thought I would find myself pursuing a career in nonprofit, or as I sit today, in academia. I was on the fast track, climbing my way up the corporate ladder. It was a steady process, but progress was being made...

A New Age in America: Incorporating Diversity in Philanthropy

America is in the midst of a dramatic cultural shift, but evidence suggests that organized philanthropy may be stuck in the past. As the nation becomes more ethnically and racially diverse, it is more important than ever to consider whether the fundraising playbook is due for an overhaul...