I recently had the honor of receiving the Outstanding Fundraising Executive Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Western PA Chapter, and I wanted to share the reflections I delivered that evening. These remarks capture what this profession has taught me. Fundraising is never just about raising money; it is about connecting generosity to purpose and making a difference every single day.
Gratitude and Recognition
I’ll admit, preparing my notes for the panel discussion was much easier for me than writing these remarks. Fundraising has never been about me; it’s about helping donors connect with causes they care about and advancing the missions of the organizations we serve. And that’s exactly the way I like it.
But for this occasion, I’m going to step out of my comfort zone and share some gratitude, because I didn’t get here alone.
Early Influences: Family and Community
I probably inherited my desire to help from my parents. My mom, a Brownie leader and teacher, cared deeply for others and showed me the power of community engagement. My dad, always reading, learning, and asking questions, taught curiosity and connection. They set the foundation for a career built on service and generosity.
Mentors Who Shaped My Path
Early in my career, several people recognized potential in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself.
Mary Zubrow, Vice President of Community and Government Affairs at Magee-Womens Hospital, encouraged me to believe in my abilities. Rosalyn Markovitz, then leading the Magee Foundation, introduced me to the pyramid of giving and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), opening the door to this profession.
Marty Friday, Executive Director at the Women’s Center & Shelter (WC&S), took a chance on me, trusting me to lead a multi-million-dollar campaign with my limited experience at the time. Drew Mathieson, an advisor at WC&S and head of the RK Mellon Foundation who became my mentor, gave me simple but transformative career advice: “What took you so long?” Those four words changed my path.
At the Pittsburgh Foundation, board member Ben Fisher and Foundation President Burr Wishart gave me the opportunity to do what I am good at and make a real difference in a community I love.
To my husband, whose financial prudence allowed me to stay home when our kids were born and hang out my consulting shingle. To the consultants who guided me in the business – Dee Jay Oshry and Elliott Oshry, Bob Carter, and marketing pros Lynn McMahon and Sue Cardillo.
The Power of Collaboration and Teamwork
I’ve been fortunate to work alongside incredible colleagues, consultants, and clients throughout my journey. From my time at Magee-Womens Hospital to forming Advancement Advisors, their guidance and partnership have allowed me to make a meaningful impact. I am grateful to those who took risks with me, advised me on the business side, and shared in the joy of philanthropy.
To Summer Dean and Janet Barlett, who took the leap with me when I formed Advancement Advisors, and Deb Desjardins and Pat Quinn Winter who have since joined the team. And to all my colleagues at the Association of Philanthropic Counsel who continue to teach me something new every time we gather.
But most importantly, I am deeply grateful to my clients, many of whom played a role in my nomination for this honor. You have given me the opportunity to work alongside you in your mission efforts. To learn from you and with you, to share in the joy of philanthropy. Every time a successful ask is made, a goal is achieved, or a major gift is secured—that is the real reward. That is why we do this work.
Receiving the AFP Outstanding Fundraising Executive Award is an honor I share with all these colleagues, consultants, and clients. Every lesson and opportunity helped shape the path to this recognition. This award is as much theirs as it is mine. It reflects the collaborative spirit that drives every successful campaign.
Why Fundraising Matters
Fundraising is not just about raising money. It is about connecting generosity to tangible outcomes. According to AFP, the number one reason to consider a career in fundraising is simple:
You can make a difference every day. Your work matters.
On the hard days — and we all have them — when the donor says no, when the campaign stalls, when you’re writing your fifth grant proposal of the week, remember this: You are not just raising money. You are making possible the art that inspires, the research that heals, the programs that educate, the services that shelter and feed and protect.
Thankfulness and Reflection
I am deeply grateful to family, mentors, colleagues, and especially my clients who continue to inspire me. Thank you for allowing me to work alongside you in your mission efforts, to learn from you, and to share in the joy of philanthropy.
Being recognized with the Outstanding Fundraising Executive Award by the AFP Western PA Chapter is humbling. It reminds me that fundraising is never about one person.
We are the bridge between generosity and impact. There is no more rewarding work than that.
Connect with me, Maureen Mahoney Hill, CFRE, at maureen@advancementadvisorsgroup.com to discuss ways we can support your fundraising efforts and keep your team inspired.
Maureen Mahoney Hill, CFRE, is the founder and principal of Advancement Advisors, a consulting firm dedicated to helping nonprofits strengthen their fundraising efforts.