We understand the challenges you face because we’ve lived them too.
Our team brings firsthand experience, deep empathy, and practical solutions to the table.
Our sector is struggling - a lot.
Organizations are struggling to hire the fundraising expertise they need; they can’t compete in salary, the candidates they can afford are too junior, or they simply hired the wrong person and now feel burned.
You deserve a trusted partner who gets it.
Our goal is to ease your burden by becoming a strategic ally, stepping in when you need someone to share the load. Through thought partnership, value alignment, and hands-on implementation support, we’ll help you build organizational capacity, streamline operations, and amplify your impact.
Together, we’ll move your vision forward and create a more just, equitable world—one step at a time.
⚡our values⚡
We believe in community-centric principles, rooted in social and economic justice. At the heart of our work is a commitment to dignity, authenticity, joy, and centering the lived experiences of those most impacted.
We believe education and advocacy are integral to systems change. We work with innovative, radical leaders committed to helping their communities.
Integrity, accountability, and a sense of shared purpose guide everything we do. We also believe in always being creative, thinking bigger, and aiming higher.
our approach to raising funds
We use community-centric values to apply our 5 Pillars of Great Fundraising:
Prospecting and one-to-one solicitation
Effective digital funnels and acquisition
Metrics-based one-to-many campaigns
Your organization’s unique value proposition
Modern and consistent branding
We specialize in Community-Centric Fundraising, a fundraising model that puts community at the heart of our work. It pushes us to stop being performative and start driving real, systemic change.
If nonprofits aren't part of the solution, we're part of the problem. We can't challenge inequity while happily catering to those who uphold it.
Community, equity, dignity, autonomy, and power to the disenfranchised matter deeply to us on a personal and professional level.
Our Team
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Maria Rio
CEO & FOUNDER
Maria has over a decade of fundraising experience. She is a sought-after speaker on issues related to innovative stewardship, building relationships, and Community-Centric Fundraising. She has spoken at AFP ICON and Congress, for Imagine Canada, APRA, Xlerate, MNA, and more. She has been published nationally, and was a finalist for the national 2022 Charity Village Best Individual Fundraiser Award. Maria also hosts The Small Nonprofit podcast and sits on the Board of Living Wage Canada.
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Esther Saehyun Lee
CONSULTANT
Esther is a a fundraiser, storyteller, and advocate. She works to mobilize resources to communities and challenge and dismantle systems of power in the nonprofit sector to ground its practices towards equity and justice. She is dedicated to advancing the mission of equity in the nonprofit sector. She is a Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) Global Council member and Interim Board Member of Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Toronto Chapter.
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Caitlin McBride, CFRE
CONSULTANT
Caitlin is a Certified Fund Raising Executive with over a decade of experience across large nonprofits in the UK and grassroots charities in Canada. She is known for building authentic, values-driven donor relationships and developing sustainable systems that deepen the donor experience. A published writer with a post-graduate diploma in Professional Communications, Caitlin also serves as vice-chair of the board at New Westminster Family Place in British Columbia.
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Ellana Deleste
VIRTUAL ASSITANT
Ellana is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in education and communication. With experience as an ESL tutor, she excels in developing customized lesson plans that effectively enhance students' English language skills. Additionally, in her role as an appointment setter, she demonstrates expertise in data analysis, lead management, and the utilization of automation tools to execute effective outreach campaigns. She is currently a second-year nursing student while also working as a virtual assistant, where she showcases strong organizational and communication skills. She effectively balances her academic pursuits with extracurricular activities, including tennis, singing, and dancing. Beyond her professional and academic commitments, Ellana enjoys exploring new coffee shops, spending quality time with her dog, and binge-watching Netflix. She is deeply committed to personal growth and aspires to make a positive impact in all her endeavors.
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Ysabel Gayahan
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
Ysabel is a marketing professional with over 10+ years of experience in graphic design, video editing, website design, and marketing. She also has a background in project management, training development and facilitation, data analysis, operations management, and process improvement. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of the Philippines where she also made her very first publication. She earned several certificates from training such as leadership and SQL. Outside work, Ysabel also enjoys traveling, exploring the pristine islands of the Philippines, and freediving. She also loves learning and experiencing the cultures of other places and tasting local delicacies.
About Further Together: Your Specialized Fundraising Partner
At Further Together, we believe that fundraising should be more than just raising money—it should create a lasting, positive impact on the community. With a Community-Centric Fundraising approach, we help organizations develop customized strategies that reflect their values and goals. One of our core services is fractional fundraising, providing ongoing support for fundraising efforts, whether through individual giving, major gifts, or monthly giving campaigns. Our method allows nonprofits to benefit from expert consulting services at an accessible cost and with greater flexibility.
Our Fundraising Solutions
We help organizations identify the best fundraising ideas for your unique charity, including writing campaigns, soliciting major gifts, and establishing recurring giving opportunities like monthly giving or social enterprise. We also specialize in grant writing services - from prospecting to reporting, ensuring that your organization has a systemized approach to new funding sources. We offer support at every stage of your fundraising strategy.
As fundraising consultants rooted in equity, we understand the importance of aligning each campaign with your organization’s mission and values.
Innovation and Leadership in the Fundraising Sector
Our work goes beyond traditional consulting. We conduct fundraising workshops and provide executive coaching to equip your board, Executive Director, and team with actionable skills and best practices for fundraising for nonprofits. With extensive experience in training fundraisers and as fundraising speakers, our team members Maria Rio, Esther Saehyun Lee, and Caitlin McBride have inspired and guided countless organizations to reach their goals effectively.
Maria Rio is a renowned speaker and thought leader in Community-Centric Fundraising. Similarly, Esther Lee advocates for equitable and just practices in the nonprofit sector, challenging existing power structures through her work. Caitlin McBride, a seasoned fundraising and communications professional, offers her expertise to help organizations develop compelling messaging and build stronger relationships with donors. Whether you’re looking to develop innovative nonprofit fundraising ideas or enhance your existing campaigns, we’re here to help your organization thrive. Discover how Further Together can transform your fundraising practices, get in touch today!