Beyond Limits. Beyond Goals.
Beyond Giving
More Than just
a Tagline
At TRANSCEND Advancement, we believe nonprofits don’t just need to grow—they need to transcend. Our approach goes beyond traditional fundraising and marketing strategies to build lasting systems, deepen donor relationships, and create a culture of giving that thrives long-term.
Beyond
Limits
Nonprofits often face resource constraints, but we specialize in helping you work smarter, not harder. We break down barriers, untangle complexity, and design efficient systems that free you to focus on your mission.
Beyond
Goals
Fundraising isn’t just about hitting a number—it’s about sustainable success. We help you think beyond short-term wins and create strategies that set you up for long-term impact.
Beyond
Giving
Philanthropy is about more than dollars—it’s about community. We help you engage stakeholders, tell compelling stories, and foster a culture of generosity that extends far beyond the bottom line.
Our Mission
is to Drive Your Mission
TRANSCEND Advancement empowers small and mid-sized nonprofits to raise more, engage better, and grow smarter. We provide strategic consulting in fundraising, marketing, board development, community engagement, and data-driven decision-making, with particular expertise in independent schools. Our goal? To help you build sustainable success and make your mission unstoppable.
Meet Mary-Ellen
Above, Mary-Ellen looking very professional. Below, Mary-Ellen and two of her favorite people in the whole world—her wife Lauren and her son Jean-Luc.
Mary-Ellen Lavigne
Founder and Principal
Hey there! I’m Mary-Ellen, the brains (and heart) behind TRANSCEND Advancement. I’ve spent two decades helping nonprofits—especially independent schools—turn fundraising from stressful to strategic (and dare I say, even fun?).
I didn’t take the usual path into nonprofit leadership. Having studied theater and mathematics (yes, really) at Wesleyan University, I’ve mastered the art of storytelling and data-crunching—a killer combo when it comes to advancement. I’ve led capital campaigns that blew past goals, increased year-over-year annual giving at client orgs by as much as 40%, and helped fundraisers build relationships that actually last.
At my core, I believe fundraising isn’t about money—it’s about people. I thrive on building connections, engaging communities, and making philanthropy accessible and exciting. And when I’m not doing that? You’ll find me solving puzzles, crushing it at karaoke, or fully embracing my inner nerd through board games and RPGs.
Based in L.A. but working nationwide, I’m here to help nonprofits think bigger, raise smarter, and go beyond limits, beyond goals, beyond giving. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Why Work With Us?
We are not just consultants, but partners in success. Here’s what we bring to the table:
Deep Expertise in Nonprofit Advancement
From fundraising strategy to marketing magic, we know what works.
A Tailored Approach
No cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all solutions here. We craft strategies that fit your unique mission and needs.
A Passion for People
Philanthropy is all about relationships, and we help you build ones that last.
Core Values
Keep Us Centered
At TRANSCEND Advancement, our work is guided by a set of core values that shape everything we do. These principles aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the foundation of how we help nonprofits go beyond limits, beyond goals, and beyond giving.
Equity & Inclusion
Philanthropy should be for everyone. We believe in making fundraising accessible, equitable, and community-centered, ensuring that all voices—regardless of background, identity, or resources—are valued and included in nonprofit growth. We actively work to dismantle barriers to engagement and create spaces where donors, volunteers, and stakeholders feel truly connected to the mission.
Collaboration & Partnership
We don’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions. Every nonprofit is unique, and our strategies reflect that. We work alongside organizations to develop customized, mission-aligned solutions that fit their culture, goals, and challenges. True progress happens through partnership, and we’re here to listen, adapt, and build together.
Sustainable Growth
Quick wins are great, but lasting impact is better. We don’t just help nonprofits hit their fundraising targets—we help them build systems, strategies, and donor relationships that fuel long-term success. Our work is about creating stability and resilience so organizations can grow with confidence, year after year.
Integrity &
Transparency
Trust is the foundation of great philanthropy. We prioritize ethical fundraising, clear communication, and honest guidance in everything we do. Whether it’s campaign strategy, donor stewardship, or financial planning, we ensure that our work reflects the highest standards of accountability and integrity.
Data With Heart
Numbers tell a story, and we know how to read between the lines. We believe data isn’t just about spreadsheets—it’s about strategy. We help organizations track what matters, analyze trends, and use insights to optimize fundraising, marketing, and engagement. The result? Smarter strategies, stronger outcomes, and sustainable success.
Innovation &
Adaptability
The nonprofit world is always evolving, and we help organizations stay ahead of the curve. Whether it’s embracing new technologies, rethinking engagement strategies, or adapting to shifting donor expectations, we challenge the status quo and bring fresh, forward-thinking ideas to the table.
These values drive our work, fuel our passion, and define the way we support nonprofits in going beyond limits, beyond goals, beyond giving. Together, we can push past what’s possible otherwise.