Mary Grace Wolf on Empowering Nonprofits to Think Bigger and Raise More

Mary Grace Wolf is redefining what it means to fundraise with purpose.

With 20 years of experience and a deep commitment to both strategy and mindset, Mary Grace doesn’t just teach fundraising - she transforms how organizations approach it. As a principal at Innovative Fundraising, she’s led hundreds of trainings, helping nonprofit leaders, staff, and boards build the skills and confidence they need to secure real financial results.

Mary Grace Wolf, Principle

But for Mary Grace, it’s about more than just raising money. It’s about building a community of fundraisers who support each other, share best practices, and create lasting impact. From grassroots campaigns to major donor programs, she’s proving that fundraising is both an art and a science, and that the right approach can unlock game-changing success.

In this Fuel to Fire blog feature, we dive into Mary Grace’s journey, from what inspired her to build her own business to the power of running a company with both rigor and kindness. Her story is one of leadership, vision, and the belief that fundraising done right can change the world.

Ready to meet the woman empowering nonprofits to think bigger, aim higher, and fundraise smarter? Let’s go.

What’s your Zone of Genius? 

Training and facilitation.

What makes your business unique?

We have a team of 10 fundraising experts with a wide range of specialties and experience.

Share a story about your biggest milestone or proudest achievement so far.

Receiving this client testimonial:

"I've had such a great experience working with Innovative Fundraising. They are wonderful mentors, thought partners, and coaches. I would absolutely recommend investing in Innovative Fundraising's services if you're looking to develop your organization's fundraising strategy, or if you just want experts to bounce ideas off of. I've recommended them to friends and colleagues throughout the U.S., and I'll continue to do so without hesitation."

- Leah Hashinger

Development Director, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition

What's the number one thing you’re doing to help you create personal and financial freedom? 

Working for myself and saving as much money as possible. My dream is to retire early!

What does being a Fireista mean to you?

It means sharing community with other entrepreneurs and boss bitches. :)

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?

I'm inspired to run a business with rigor as well as kindness and I didn't find that combination in other jobs.

If you could grab coffee with any woman in history, who would it be and why?

Coretta Scott King - imagine the stories!

What’s your go-to hype song when you need a confidence boost?

Up all night - Beck

More about Mary Grace Wolf: Mary Grace Wolf (she/her) has been working in fundraising for 20 years. She has experience as a Fundraising Canvasser, Canvass Director, Development Associate, Director of Individual Giving, Fundraising Director, and Chief Development Officer. Mary Grace specializes in raising money from individuals and training other staff, leaders, and Board members to do the same. Her approach is twofold: You need to have the skills it takes to raise real money from individuals and you need to have the right mindset about money and fundraising. Mary Grace focuses on both of those aspects. 

As a principal of Innovative Fundraising, Mary Grace has facilitated hundreds of fundraising training and mindset workshops. She recently expanded her services to include retreat facilitation after completing relevant training through Technology of Participation. She lives in Aurora, IL with her wife and two cute kids, Everett and Emerson.