Way Up Strategic Solutions

Way Up Strategic Solutions is a boutique communications consultancy based in Saint John, Canada, that primarily serves nonprofit organizations and charitable foundations. Founded by Chris Gilliland in 2016, the agency focuses on helping mission-driven groups improve their fundraising communications, donor outreach, and overall messaging. While the firm works with a range of clients, its core expertise lies in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors, where it assists organizations in crafting compelling narratives that drive donations and engagement.

How Way Up Strategic Solutions Helps Nonprofits

At its heart, Way Up Strategic Solutions provides fundraising communications consulting. Chris Gilliland, the principal, brings a specialized focus to the often-overlooked area of donor communications—the emails, letters, reports, and case statements that directly influence giving. The agency’s approach is practical and hands-on: rather than offering broad strategy, it zeroes in on the specific writing and editing tasks that nonprofits struggle to prioritize. By taking over these time-consuming projects, Way Up Strategic Solutions helps organizations free up internal capacity while improving the quality and effectiveness of their outreach. The firm also offers crisis management support, ensuring that nonprofits can maintain donor trust during challenging periods. Additionally, the agency provides training and consulting services to help teams build their own communications skills over time.

Services and Specialties

Way Up Strategic Solutions’ service offerings are tailored to the unique needs of nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. The agency’s work typically falls into the following areas:

• Fundraising copywriting and donor communications (e.g., appeal letters, newsletters, impact reports)
• Direct mail campaign development and execution
• Crisis communications and reputation management
• Communications consulting and strategic planning
• Writing and editing for websites, blogs, and social media
• Training and coaching for nonprofit communications teams
• Philanthropy-focused marketing and advertising support

These services are delivered on a freelance or project basis, making the agency a flexible partner for organizations that need specialized help without a long-term retainer. Way Up Strategic Solutions also connects clients with other professionals when needs fall outside its core expertise, reflecting a collaborative network-based approach.

Local Roots and Regional Reach

Based in Saint John, New Brunswick, Way Up Strategic Solutions operates from the Promenade Commerce area. The agency’s location in Atlantic Canada gives it a strong understanding of the region’s philanthropic landscape, including the unique challenges faced by smaller and mid-sized nonprofits. While much of its work is done remotely, the Saint John base allows Chris Gilliland to maintain close ties with local organizations and foundations. This regional focus is a key part of the agency’s identity, but Way Up Strategic Solutions also serves clients across Canada and beyond, leveraging digital tools to collaborate with teams nationwide.

Way Up Strategic Solutions is best suited for nonprofit organizations, charities, and foundations that need hands-on help with donor communications and fundraising copy. It is a particularly good fit for teams that are stretched thin and lack the internal resources to produce high-quality written materials. The agency’s emphasis on practical writing and editing, combined with its crisis management and training capabilities, makes it a valuable partner for organizations looking to strengthen their donor relationships and increase philanthropic revenue. For those ready to focus on their mission, Way Up Strategic Solutions offers a direct, results-oriented path to better communications.