Carla Maxwell Ray, CFRE

02/23/2026

Prioritizing the Soul

Friends, as we've entered this season of Lent, I feel a profound calling to create space for quiet, prayer, and presence.

To honor this season of reflection, I am stepping away from social media. While this journey begins as a Lenten fast, I am also leaning into the possibility that this departure may be permanent.

My focus is shifting toward deeper connections off-screen and the work God has placed right in front of me. Thank you for being part of my digital community. I am carrying your stories and support with me into this season of stillness.

How to stay in touch:
https://hubs.ly/Q04494LG0

02/19/2026

Mark 12:30 NIV
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

02/17/2026

This Black History Month, we celebrate Dorothy Height, a civil rights leader and advocate for women, youth, and families.

Through her decades of leadership with the National Council of Negro Women, she advanced programs focused on education, leadership development, and community strengthening.

Her life reflects a form of philanthropy rooted in service, advocacy, and a deep commitment to human dignity.

02/14/2026

02/11/2026

This Black History Month, we honor Andrew Young — civil rights leader, pastor, diplomat, and humanitarian.

From working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to his global advocacy for human rights and development, his life’s work has been rooted in faith, justice, and service. He has supported initiatives focused on poverty alleviation, education, and international development.

Andrew Young’s legacy shows how faith-inspired leadership and generosity can shape communities and history alike.

02/10/2026

On February 4, I will give a talk at Faith & Fundraising: Chicago 2026 on High Capacity Donor Engagement: A Walk Through the Scriptures. Hoping for a great turnout!



ACF - Association for Christian Fundraising

02/06/2026

02/03/2026

It’s Black History Month, and I’m starting by honoring a trailblazer in philanthropy and the visionary founder of the AADO Network — Birgit Smith Burton.

Her leadership has opened doors and built community for fundraisers of color across the country. Birgit also made history as the first Black woman to serve as Chair of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Global Board, championing inclusion and equity in the field.

Learn more about Birgit and her incredible work: https://hubs.ly/Q041sJWD0

01/31/2026

Biba Dushi

My twin sister and I just returned home from Aruba. We had a great trip celebrating our birthday.
Biba dushi roughly translates to “living the sweet life" & originates from the native Aruba language - Papiamento.
What are you doing to have a sweet life?!

01/27/2026

Sometimes the path isn’t clear.
That doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong one.

Resourcing your vision—whether for a church or an organization—is a journey. There are moments of uncertainty, slow climbs, and decisions made one step at a time.

Keep the sun in your face.
Keep moving forward.
Trust the journey.

You’ll make it to the end.

01/20/2026

A former client once shared:

“We had the vision—but we needed help shifting how our congregation viewed generosity and sacrificial giving.”

The goal was reached.
Then it was surpassed.
But the real work happened in the hearts of the people.

When generosity is rooted in faith and stewarded well, it doesn’t end with a campaign—it reshapes a congregation for the long term.

God sets the number.
We steward the calling.