When it comes to fulfilling your organization’s mission through grant funding – leave nothing on the table.
Hey there, I’m Olivia
My journey into fundraising began at my mom’s nonprofit theatre company in Central Louisiana. I saw firsthand how much time and dedication it takes to propel a mission statement into community impact. This is where I fell in love with the challenging, yet satisfying work of fundraising.
After earning my MFA in Performing Arts Management from Brooklyn College, I worked in grant writing and fundraising for a variety of nonprofits in the arts and social services. Then after five years in the City, I made the cross-country move to Seattle with my husband and our dog, Stella.
From NYC to Seattle, I see that grants cause a perpetual strain on nonprofits and drain valuable time and energy from staff. After working with more than 40 organizations, I know I have the tools and experience to simplify the grant process and help unlock vital funding for nonprofit champions, like you. That’s why I started Mission Forward Fundraising.
Meet the Team
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Dan Balkin
Lead Consultant – Individual Giving
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Maddie Jennings
Grants Specialist
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Darryl E. Lewis
Grants Specialist
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Ann Nguyen
Grant Specialist
OUR MISSIONBoost nonprofit capacity and unlock critical funding to propel your organization’s mission forward.
Our ExperienceProven Expertise in Funding & Strategy for Nonprofits
With experience across organizations of all sizes, we’ve seen it all. Our deep industry knowledge and hands-on approach have helped us master grant funding, refine strategies to engage funders, and uncover the best ways to support nonprofits.
Our impact by the numbers:
$15 Million
in grants influenced for nonprofits since 2022We've helped nonprofits secure and influence over $15 million in funding—fueling programs, expanding services, and creating lasting impact in the communities they serve.
We've worked with40+ organizations across 15+ sectors
With a track record of working with 40+ organizations across 15+ sectors, we bring a depth of experience that spans industries, missions, and challenges. From grassroots nonprofits to large-scale institutions, our proven methodology adapts to any organization, regardless of size or focus. This breadth of experience allows us to identify unique opportunities, tailor strategies, and drive meaningful impact–helping organizations move their mission forward with clarity and confidence.
100%
of our clients would refer our servicesEvery MFF client surveyed shared that our grant writing and consulting services exceeded expectations–and every single one would recommend us to other organizations.
A snapshot of organizations we’ve worked with:
Our APPROACHOffering custom, flexible grant solutions that support your goals
When starting with a new client, our team makes sure to listen and fully understand an organization’s community, story, and goals. The who, why, and how. Then, we discuss the obstacles between you and grant funding: limited staff time, invite-only funders, denial fatigue, last minute deadlines, and so on.
Using this information, we build a custom grant strategy that takes the weight of grants off your shoulders and leads you to untapped grant funding. Whether it’s a need for new prospects or a complicated application, we take on the tedious work so that you can maximize your time and energy.
Our center valuesCommunity, anti-racism, and social justice
It is our ultimate goal to help accelerate racial equity, achieve social justice, and amplify the voices of historically marginalized communities. To do this, fundraising must be centered in anti-racism and community. So we commit to place community at the core of every proposal, program, and mission. I also will continue to learn, unlearn, and welcome feedback to better understand my role as a white fundraiser. To that end, we will not work with organizations whose missions, programs, or activities result in the oppression, harm, or discrimination of Black, Indigenous, POC, LGBTQ+, and other historically marginalized communities.