Nonprofit and business leaders like you enjoy collaborating with CFC.
Due to the confidential nature of development, CFC’s online portfolio is limited.
Click on select client links to view writing samples; additional writing samples available upon request.
Valued partners include:
Arts & Culture
Grant Park Music Festival
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum
Lincoln Park Zoo
Owensboro Museum of Fine Art
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
WBEZ | Chicago Public Media
Education
DePaul University
Driehaus College of Business
Harris School of Public Policy | University of Chicago
University Center of Lake County
University of Minnesota Foundation
University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
Waldorf School of St. Louis
Dining and Entertainment
Spynergy Wicker Park
The Lemon Tree
World on Fire Films
Jewish Community
Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School
Foundation for Jewish Camp
JCC Association of North America
Jewish United Fund | Jewish Federation
Rochelle Zell Jewish High School
Spertus Institute
Temple Isaiah
What clients are saying
“Caren's attention to detail, ability to ask the right questions, and pure skill enabled her to create engaging stories for our stakeholders' newsletter that required no edits. Given a tight timeline and nothing more than bullet points, Caren was able to match our tone and craft her writing to seamlessly integrate into our portfolio. We could not have been happier and look forward to teaming up in the future.”
— Jessica Canning
Board Member, Let It Be Us
“Caren is a great listener and she was thoughtful in the way she explained things to me after taking the time to understand my writing style and the way I learn best. I loved Caren's hands-on approach using examples that came directly from my work. I did not know what to expect going into the training, and was so happy with it, even after only the first short while of us being together. Caren was a pleasure to work with and had a great way of adapting to my learning style and crafting her explanations in ways that made sense to me. I would absolutely 100% recommend Caren.”
— Ilissa Berz
Senior Associate Consultant, Giving Tree Associates
“Caren has written beautiful prose for several freelance stories for the Chicago community magazine that I run. Give Caren any topic from world travel to summer camp nostalgia to food trends, and she’ll transport you to that place and time through her vivid storytelling. No matter what her subject, her writing shows a rare heart and soul I don’t often spot in writers.”
— Cindy Sher
Executive Editor, JUF News
“I recommend Caren Friedman's services to anyone looking for a consummate professional with flexibility, attention to detail, and an admirable dedication to her craft. Caren's writing expertise was crucial for the success of our Advancement team's fundraising efforts during a moment of intense transition for the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). As we moved to remote operations due to COVID-19, we quickly launched the Student Emergency Relief Campaign by SAIC.
Within hours, Caren crafted the language for the campaign's web presence and for a set of segmented appeal letters that reached over 20,000 constituents. Working under incredibly tight deadlines and amidst the environmental stress of an emerging global pandemic, Caren maintained the utmost professionalism, and produced high-level communications that enabled us to exceed our $100K fundraising goal for the campaign. There is no one I would have rather worked with in those stressful but incredibly important moments than Caren.”
— Mary Hayes
Executive Director, Alumni and Donor Engagement
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
“Caren wrote absolutely stellar stories for us on a tight deadline. She immediately grasped our client's audience, tone, and voice in a way we don't often see from writers. It was a pleasure working with Caren, and I look forward to hiring her again.”
— Chelsea Hall
Content Specialist, Madden Media
“I am speechless. I am crying in the middle of my class. Love it [the case for support].”
— Jennifer Phillips
President and CEO, Keshet
“I think [the case for support] is perfect!! I think it's compelling and moving. Thanks so much, Caren. You heard us and got us!!”
— Michelle Friedman
Chair of the Board, Keshet
“Caren Friedman's technical writing played a pivotal role in our film's successful grant application. Her sharp edits and incisive questions helped us not only formulate a stronger package, but also compelled us to think more clearly about our own mission and strategy. I can't recommend Caren highly enough.”
— Ryan Grundtisch
Producer, Wonderwide Productions