About Us
Collective Potential believes in the power of community and partnership. That's why we walk alongside nonprofit clients, offering guidance and support as they envision and create spaces that will uplift and serve their mission, and the community.
Our Approach
Our approach is centered around the goals of your organization. We begin by learning and listening, to understand your mission and goals. The flow chart below outlines an example of the steps along the way where we can support you in achieving your organization’s goals of building ownership.
Still Have Questions?
Operating Principles
Vision & Voice
Non-profits know your mission/vision better than anyone. This must drive the work, adhering to your core values and the integrity of your mission. We believe that communities and mission-driven organizations know best how to improve their own outcomes, well-being, and vitality. Our work will remain focused on your vision. Your work requires the input of many, we can help design a process to offer voice for all in a way that is both authentic and expeditious.
Place Matters
Through the lens of architecture, we believe heartily in the power of place. Having places to come together, and even better, places to call our own strengthens organizations that serve. Ownership leads to equity growth, and opportunities down the road.
Building together
The development of a construction project is daunting. It takes a team of specialists working together over months and years to bring a dream to life. Seeing the forest for the trees and seeing the path through to the other side, we can get there together.
Collaborative Potential has taken our project to the next level and far beyond. Cathy is efficient, intelligent, and extremely capable of guiding our team to accomplish our goals. Her decades of work with nonprofits, community-based organizations, and directly impacted communities shine through her professionalism, work ethic, and care for our community. “
- Andrea Savage
Co-Founder, Community Organizer and Director of Finance & Operations, Commún
I have had the pleasure of knowing Cathy for over five years and have had the opportunity to collaborate with her on several projects. Throughout our professional relationship, Cathy has consistently demonstrated a remarkable level of professionalism and care. From the outset, Cathy has been incredibly supportive and knowledgeable, providing invaluable assistance to Struggle of Love Foundation in making well-informed decisions with the appropriate resources at hand.
Cathy's diligence in guiding Struggle of Love through various challenges has been commendable. She has consistently provided us with the guidance and support needed to navigate complex situations, serving as a trusted advisor and helping us find solutions even when faced with obstacles. Cathy's dedication to her clients' best interests is evident in every interaction, and I have no hesitation in recommending Collective Potential for your business needs.
Cathy's commitment to excellence and her genuine concern for her clients make her an invaluable asset to any organization. I am confident that with Cathy's expertise and dedication, Collective Potential will exceed your expectations and provide unparalleled support for your endeavors.“
- LaKeshia Hodge
Executive Director, Struggle of Love Foundation
Our Team
Cathy Bellem
Founder & CEO
Cathy Bellem is a dedicated professional with a genuine passion for serving non-profit organizations. With a strong background in development support and owner's representation, Cathy has played a pivotal role in helping non-profits thrive and achieve their goals. In 2023, Cathy founded Collective Potential, showcasing her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the sector. Leading a team of experts, Cathy provides strategic development architectural consulting services that empower non-profit organizations to reach new heights of success. Her innovative approach and deep understanding of the sector have helped numerous organizations achieve sustainable growth and make a lasting difference in their communities. Prior to this, Cathy served as a Principal at Anderson Mason Dale Architects, where she gained invaluable experience in managing complex public-sector projects and driving operational excellence.
