2020 Fundraiser of the Year: Deborah Marshall

Deborah Marshall
COO and Sr. VP of Development
The American Fundraising Foundation

An expert in strategic initiatives, Deborah Marshall is a seasoned and innovative administrator who oversees all operations at the American Fundraising Foundation. She has held significant leadership roles in nonprofit management, fundraising, health care, business development, marketing and public relations, and real estate investment. Deborah knows firsthand the challenges our nonprofit partners face in the ever-changing climate of grant cycles and funding shortages. Her disciplined and logical approach to managing any situation, combined with her business acumen and passion for success, provide a firm foundation for AmFund’s phenomenal growth in helping hundreds of deserving nonprofits nationwide achieve their fundraising goals. Deborah helped AmFund achieve the $34 million mark in unrestricted funding given out to worthy nonprofit organizations, and personally championed for AmFund’s new refreshed brand and logo.

AmFund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a platinum rating from GuideStar. It has been serving other nonprofit organizations for over 20 years and has distributed over $34 million for worthy causes. Each year AmFund’s board of directors carefully selects organizations to support through sponsorship of their events.

In recognition of its 20-year anniversary, AmFund unveiled a new logo that includes its signature tree and a golden pear. The tree has always stood for growth and deep roots. The newly added golden pear is symbolic of the extra touch that AmFund brings to each of its nonprofit partners.

The history of the pear is extensive and best described as symbolizing wisdom, good health, longevity and prosperity — all the things AmFund sees in the organizations it serves and the causes each represents.

And behind every golden pear is a great story. It may be the story of a child receiving special literacy assistance, or a woman finding shelter from an abusive relationship or an animal being rescued.