Exceptional partnerships are grounded in trust, skill, and insightful collaboration. Our team brings deep expertise in philanthropic fundraising strategies, from nuts and bolts infrastructure to strategic and creative vision. And we always roll up our sleeves to make your dreams a reality.
Catherine (Cat) Bird
Principal Advisor, Communications and Project Management, Generosity Expert
Catherine Bird is a dynamic communications strategist, seasoned grant writer, and accomplished author with over two decades of experience in nonprofit fundraising, public relations, and volunteer management. A trusted advisor and FBC Generosity Expert, she excels in building high-impact partnerships and crafting compelling narratives that drive engagement and funding success. Her consultancy portfolio includes work with organizations such as Microsoft Corporation, Ascension Healthcare, Conspirare, Mission Capital, R.O.C.K. Ride on Center for Kids, Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation, Wonders & Worries, and the Trinity Center. She has contributed to capital campaigns and grant initiatives that have secured more than $90 million in funding across healthcare, social services, and education.
Beyond her professional roles, Catherine is dedicated to faith-based writing projects and community service, volunteering with nonprofits like The Junior League of Austin, Make-a-Wish Foundation, and SafePlace. As a published author with Leafwood Publishers, her works, including Becoming a Girl of Grace, reflect her passion for meaningful storytelling and mentorship.
Catherine believes in the power of collaboration (collective impact) — helping mission-driven organizations achieve bold, sustainable results.
Ellen Buckmaster
Creative Director, Generosity Expert
Ellen Buckmaster, a seasoned Creative Director with over 40 years of experience, specializes in fostering connections between nonprofits and donors. As a former fundraiser and marketing professional turned writer, designer, and art director, Ellen seamlessly integrates diverse skills to craft compelling narratives. She serves as an integral part of the FBC Generosity Experts team and collaborates closely to align words and visuals into compelling narratives. Her skillset encompasses a diverse range of creative strategies and concepts, art direction, messaging analysis, copywriting, project management, design, and grant writing.
Throughout her career, Ellen has worked with prestigious clients such as Whole Foods Market, Dell, IBM, H-E-B, and The University of Texas. Her portfolio spans healthcare, education, arts, culture, and social services, leaving an indelible mark on a number of successful fundraising campaigns. Ellen’s commitment to storytelling is evident in her work, where she collaborates with clients to create impactful messages. Her strategic approach and dedication make her a trusted partner for organizations aiming to make a meaningful impact, as seen in her contributions to Dell Children’s Medical Center, Ballet Austin, and Girl Scouts-Lone Star Council, among many others. Through her creativity and dedication to advancing the missions of nonprofits across diverse sectors, Ellen believes in innovative storytelling (and encouraging generosity).
Marcia Levy
Principal Advisor, Strategic Partnerships & Philanthropy, Generosity Expert
Marcia is a seasoned healthcare and business professional, whose impactful career spans more than four decades in business development, marketing, philanthropy, strategic planning, organizational development, and community engagement. In addition to her corporate achievements, including leadership roles for two international startup companies, Marcia has spearheaded numerous capital campaigns for private schools, medical institutions, and arts organizations.
Her tenure in leadership roles on the local and national level have included the Anti-Defamation League, Dell Children’s Hospital, GENAustin, the Jewish Federations of North America and more. Notably, Marcia spear-headed multi-year campaigns that have provided over $10 million in funding for the former Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, and played a visionary role in creating what is now the Seton Breast Care Center, Central Texas’s first comprehensive, multidisciplinary center, for which she raised over $8 million.
Beyond her well-deserved accolades, such as the 2014 Audrey & Raymond Humanitarian Award from the Austin Region of the Anti-Defamation League, recognition as the I Live Here I Give Here Donor of the Month in April 2011, Marcia remains actively involved in various community roles, all of which exemplify her commitment to causes like healthcare, education, and the arts.
With a professional and personal journey that embodies the spirit of a dynamic and influential leader, Marcia believes in inspiring generosity (and strategic partnerships).
Kathryn McDaniel
Generosity Expert
Kathryn is seasoned in communications and fundraising, with a diverse skill set and over 20 years of dedicated service to our community in both professional and volunteer capacities. Her professional work includes experience in fundraising, development, volunteer management, and event planning/talent management, with additional experience in content creation for educational publishing and public relations for small businesses, making her a valuable addition to FBC’s team of Generosity Experts.
In her previous fundraising roles, Kathryn led a charge to raise $1 million annually through annual giving efforts such as major events, yearly galas, community groups, and major gift donations. In addition to her professional endeavors, Kathryn has remained deeply committed to philanthropic service. As a member of The Junior League of Austin, she dedicated considerable time volunteering in various roles within nonprofit organizations and serving on boards.
Kathryn finds great joy in contributing to the community through project management and service initiatives. With a genuine desire to build authentic connections, Kathryn believes in fostering community (and purposeful engagement).
Kate Tolliver
Principal Advisor, Operations and Nonprofit Management, Generosity Expert
Kate Tolliver, ACNP, boasts over 30 years of nonprofit experience and currently serves as the Director of Operations at FBC. Her expertise in fundraising, strategic planning, and organizational development, coupled with her commitment to intentional engagement, makes Kate an indispensable asset in helping amplify our clients’ mission-driven work.
In her previous position as Manager at the Center for Nonprofit Studies at Austin Community College, Kate led program development, oversaw data and financial management, and managed the C3 Development Consulting Services. As a Managing Producer, she also handled the Center’s Civil Society television program and a multi-year contract with Austin Public Health. Kate was adept at managing Certificate programs while introducing new ones, such as Talent Management, Ethical Nonprofit Storytelling, and Nonprofit Program Design.
Kate exudes a strong commitment to her field, which is evident through the certificates she has earned in Paralegal Studies, Business Management, Nonprofit Leadership and Management, Effective Fundraising, Nonprofit Financial Management, Grant Writing, and Volunteer Management. She is a highly regarded member of FBC’s Team of Generosity Experts and plays a vital role in ensuring a seamless experience for all clients. With a prolific career in nonprofit consulting and management, Kate believes in intentional engagement (and meaningful connections).
Fayruz Benyousef, CFRE
Founder + Principal, Generosity Expert
With over three decades of experience as a seasoned fundraising professional, Fayruz has become a recognized leader and changemaker in the philanthropic landscape. Leveraging her expertise locally, nationally, and internationally, she has successfully raised over $500 million for her clients, spearheading campaigns ranging from $10 million to over $100 million. Fayruz wholeheartedly embodies the principles she imparts to her clients, tirelessly working to foster a community-wide culture of philanthropy. For more than a decade, she and her team have reimagined philanthropic responsibility and civic engagement, employing solutions-based problem-solving and strategic thinking.
Beyond consultancy, Fayruz actively contributes to a number of organizations, and her dedication to community service is underscored by her current and previous roles as Board Chair for 4ATX Foundation of Austin FC, Board President for AFP – Austin, Chair of the Sustainable Food Center and Con Mi MADRE Boards, Chair of ConnectHER and as a member for the National Domestic Violence Hotline, Trinity Episcopal School, and Libyan Hearts boards. Her outstanding contributions were acknowledged when she was named an Ethics in Business and Community Award Winner by Recognize Good and awarded the Outstanding Fundraising Professional of the Year by AFP.
Fayruz’s story of resilience, service, and commitment to positive change is shared as a sought-after keynote speaker and coach. Her advice, extending beyond fundraising, also emphasizes supporting women in their diverse career and life paths. With a commitment to a life of impact and meaning, Fayruz believes in the transformative impact of generosity (and strategic thinking).
