GRIFFIN

ASSOCIATED 

A consultancy energized by

We’re here to bring new energy to fundraising growth.

At Griffin Associated, we build confidence and strategic know-how for social impact leaders and organizations. Through expert coaching, fundraising strategy, and campaign management, we help partners catalyze their growth and secure philanthropic resources.

We’ve built multi-million-dollar campaigns, coached CEOs and boards through high-stakes fundraising, and fueled initiatives for global philanthropists, education pioneers, and movement builders—driving investments for $500M national campaigns to early-stage organizations on the rise.

Our goal is to raise $1 billion for causes that change people’s lives.

About Maria

To date, we’ve raised $570 million and counting.

We’ve been at the table—as fundraisers, consultants, and nonprofit execs—solving the real challenges that impact leaders are up against.

  • DREAM | Scaling to $20M+ with Strategic Alignment

    As Chief Advancement Officer, Maria transformed DREAM’s fundraising approach, aligning board engagement, major gifts strategy, and campaign execution to fuel sustainable growth.

  • Navigate the Maze to Achievement | Building Fundraising Infrastructure from the Ground Up

    We partnered with the Founder to design a scalable fundraising operation, develop a compelling case for support, and establish key donor relationships—laying the foundation for future growth.

  • Laureus Sport for Good Foundation of America | Coaching Nonprofit CEOs to Fundraise with Confidence

    Through strategic coaching, we equipped Laureus’ Elevate Black Leaders in Sport cohort to engage high-impact donors while balancing the demands of executive leadership.

  • Queen City Academy Charter School | Activating Board Members as Fundraising Leaders

    We developed and implemented a board engagement strategy that empowered trustees with the tools, confidence, and networks to fundraising.

  • NYC Outward Bound | Ensuring Fundraising Continuity Through Leadership Change

    We partnered with Jethro Miller & Associates to create a transition-ready fundraising plan that positioned the organization for growth and supported a seamless handoff to the incoming CEO.

  • Community Catalyst | Turning Policy Shifts into Philanthropic Momentum

    We partnered with Jethro Miller & Associates to guide the Development team in pivoting their strategy to leverage major policy shifts, mobilize new funders, and strengthen long-term financial resilience.

  • Partnership Schools | From Scrappy Team to High-Performance Fundraising

    As interim leadership, Maria refined team roles, implemented best-in-class systems, and built a results-driven culture of fundraising excellence.

  • Creative Connections | Equipping Program Staff to Lead with Fundraising

    We provided fundraising coaching to program leads, strengthening their confidence, strategic thinking, and donor engagement skills to foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

  • FERBS at University of Pennsylvania | Exploring a Sustainable Nonprofit Model

    We partnered with program founders to assess long-term growth strategies, evaluate the university partnership models, and explore nonprofit pathways for program expansion while unlocking new funding opportunities.

Our clients are ambitious, forward-thinking, and want to create change for good.

  • “Before working with Maria, I didn’t even know development coaches existed—now I can’t imagine fundraising without her. She’s transformed my approach from just raising money to building lasting donor relationships. Maria’s insight, support, and practical strategies have helped me create a clear, mission-aligned plan. Thanks to her mentorship, we’re better positioned to grow, secure sustainable funding, and increase our impact.”

    Allison Shillingford, Founder/Executive Director, Navigate the Maze to Achievement

  • “Partnering with Maria was a breath of fresh air for Partnership Schools. Her strategic insight and hands-on support helped us break through fundraising challenges and build a more intentional and effective approach to donor engagement. As an Executive Director, having someone in my corner who truly understood the complexities of fundraising—and could provide both guidance and execution support—was a game-changer. She didn’t just create a strategy; she helped bring it to life. She is one of the most talented fundraisers I’ve ever met.”

    Jill Kafka, Executive Director of Partnership Schools

  • “Maria’s coaching was a game-changer. She brought clarity, structure, and a powerful shift in mindset around fundraising. As leaders, we often carry the full weight of our mission. However, Maria reminded us that we’re not asking for charity but inviting people to invest in impact. Every nonprofit leader needs a Maria in their corner.”

    Katrina M. Adams, Former President and CEO of the United States Tennis Association

  • “Maria transformed how our cohort of nonprofit CEOs approached fundraising—shifting it from a source of stress to a strategic tool for impact. Her coaching was clear, empowering, and tailored to the realities of leading an organization. The ripple effects of her work are still unfolding.”

    Julia Lankford, Director of Operations, Laureus Sport for Good

Let’s unlock your next $10 million+ together.

At Griffin Associated, we drive new energy at inflection points.

Fundraising isn’t just about growth—it’s about building momentum, sharpening focus, and securing the right investment at the right moment. We help leaders define strategy with confidence and clarity. Whether you're evolving from a scrappy startup to an established institution, expanding a small donor circle into a major gifts engine, or turning a bold vision into a fully funded reality—we’re your partner through the transition.

How we support:

  • We design tailored fundraising roadmaps that turn potential into investment—whether launching a major gifts program, scaling an annual fund, or executing a bold capital campaign. Our approach aligns strategy with execution, ensuring your team is equipped to sustain and grow impact.

  • Boards should be more than advocates—they should be fundraisers. We work closely with board members to cultivate a culture of philanthropy, providing the tools, confidence, and clarity they need to lead in fundraising and unlock major gifts.

  • Fundraising is about relationships, and leadership is key. We coach executives and development teams to cultivate high-value donors, navigate complex asks, and drive sustained investment in your mission. From donor meetings to pitch refinement, we help leaders secure game-changing support.

Let’s discuss where you are and where you want to go.

Book a Strategy Call

Strategic growth starts here.

If you’re ready to bring new energy to your fundraising, let’s talk. We’ll explore your biggest challenges and how to tackle them with confidence.

call (646) 434-8221
mail info@griffinassociated.com
location_on New York, NY