Fundrage is a social impact platform and Google Chrome extension that empowers every individual to create positive change in real-time, helping users channel their anger into action when reading the news.
Founder Maria Underwood is a Birmingham native with more than 10 years of experience in fundraising and social media strategy, locally and in major markets across the U.S. She has consulted and presented internationally on digital fundraising, millennial giving and trends in the nonprofit sector. Having been successful in all types of fundraising campaigns—major events, corporate sponsorships, peer-to-peer, grassroots, grant writing and major gifts—Maria has unique knowledge into the how and the why donors give. Additionally, she has acted as a host and moderator of national panels primarily focused on the rise in political activism since 2016.
She moved back to Birmingham after seven years in Washington, D.C. and started her own company, Fundrage, with help from the Innovation Depot’s Velocity and Voltage programs. Currently she’s working to scale the company while also serving as a consultant for nonprofits across the country.
“I’ve always known that I wanted my career to have meaning—to be something that gave back. I didn’t expect it to lead down the path of a tech company, but coming back to Birmingham and engaging with the supportive startup community here has been the best place to get it started.
“I’m thrilled to be able to give back to the city that pours so much into me. I’m currently on the board of TechBirmingham, and I was thrilled to be on the Volunteer Committee of The World Games, as well as a member of the organizing committee for Magic City Fashion Week.” Maria was also just announced as President of Birmingham Bound, an organization aimed at building up the local tech ecosystem in Birmingham, making our city the place to grow and scale a tech company.
Her hobbies include teaching Pure Barre in Homewood, trailing behind her dog, Isla, on runs and exploring Birmingham’s phenomenal food and beverage scene.
www.gofundrage.com • Instagram: @fundrage or @mariamae_u • maria@gofundrage.com
