Meet Maria: The Visionary Behind Our Company

Maria Murray is the founder of Nelant, a highly respected grant fundraising and prospect research consultancy dedicated to strengthening rural healthcare systems across the country. The name Nelant honors her parents, Nelson and Antonia, and reflects Maria’s deep personal roots in service, family values, and strong community connections. Raised in Eagle Pass, Texas, Maria grew up immersed in rural healthcare—spending summers working at her mother’s pediatric rural health clinic and witnessing firsthand the many challenges small, often underserved communities face in accessing consistent, high-quality care. These experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to supporting organizations that expand access to essential services.

With a career spanning both sides of philanthropy, Maria has successfully raised more than $10 million in grant funding and has overseen approximately $1.5 million in strategic grantmaking. Her professional experience includes meaningful roles at nationally recognized organizations such as the Salvation Army and the Fannie Mae Foundation, giving her a rare and valuable perspective as both a grant seeker and grant maker. As a former grant maker and current professional fundraiser, Maria brings a highly methodical, relationship-driven, and thoughtful approach to all aspects of fundraising—prioritizing trust, accountability, and sustainable, long-term growth for the organizations she supports.

Today, Maria focuses on helping rural hospitals, hospital districts, and community health clinics diversify their funding streams in response to shrinking reimbursement rates, evolving healthcare needs, and increasing operational demands. Through Nelant, she serves as a strategic, behind-the-scenes partner, equipping healthcare leaders with actionable guidance, practical insights, and proven strategies to secure vital philanthropic support, strengthen community health, and protect access to care in small, underserved regions. By combining her personal experience, professional expertise, and deep understanding of rural healthcare challenges, Maria ensures that organizations are not only prepared to pursue funding today but also positioned for sustainable success well into the future.