$30 million raised—and Krystal Valencia still says fundraising isn’t the answer.

Krystal is the founder and CEO of Rental Rescue, a nonprofit that steps in when affordable rental buildings are at risk of being lost. Instead of starting with grants or campaigns, Rental Rescue started with financial modeling during COVID—nights and weekends spent learning capital stacks, understanding cash flow, and figuring out how housing actually works as an asset.

Over several years, that approach led to more than $30 million raised. But Krystal is clear: traditional nonprofit funding models aren’t built for problems at this scale.

Foundations may hold massive endowments, but most distribute only around 5% of their assets each year. That means nonprofits are competing for a shrinking pool of capital while being asked to solve billion‑dollar housing challenges. In housing, the math breaks down fast.

Rental Rescue flipped the question. Instead of asking “how much can we fundraise?”, they ask “what’s the minimum capital needed to make this sustainable?” From there, they build cash‑flowing structures, partner with credit unions, and put operational and digital systems in place so nonprofits aren’t handed buildings they don’t have the capacity to run.

Fundraising still matters—but Krystal argues it can’t be the whole plan. Sustainability has to be designed, not hoped for.

If nonprofits are expected to solve systemic problems, why are so many still built on short‑term nonprofit funding?

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, Cherry sits down with Melissa Ray, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Concord in the City Community Ability Initiative. Melissa shares how the organization supports adults with developmental disabilities through programs focused on independence, life skills, job skills, and community connection. She also explains the gap many families face once adults age out of school at 21 years old and why services like theirs matter so much.

Melissa also gives a real look at what sustainable nonprofit revenue can look like in practice. One standout example is Concord in the City's coffee truck, which serves 300 to 400 customers every Saturday at the Brampton farmers market. It is not just a revenue stream. It is also a hands-on opportunity for people with disabilities to build confidence, develop job skills, and connect directly with the community.

A big part of the conversation focuses on affordability for families. Melissa shares that Concord in the City has not raised membership fees since 2021, even as costs continue to rise. She explains that even a small increase of $10 a day would add up to roughly $100 more a month or $1,000 more a year for families, which is why the organization works so hard to grow fundraising, donations, and other community-based revenue instead.

This episode is a strong reminder that nonprofits do not have to rely on one funding source to stay sustainable. Melissa shares practical examples of how Concord in the City is building a model that protects families, creates meaningful opportunities, and keeps the mission at the centre of every decision.

• Melissa Ray on LinkedIn — Melissa Ray, Concord in the City Community Ability Initiative
• Concord in the City on LinkedIn — Concord in the City
• Instagram — @concordinthecity
• Instagram — @concordcoffeeonthego
• Facebook — Concord in the City
• Website — concordinthecity.ca