The Living City Foundation’s Philanthropy Officer Earns International Accolade

 

Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) and The Living City Foundation congratulate Philanthropy Officer Jim Allen on being named the recipient of the AFP’s Barbara Marion Award for his exemplary achievements and years of dedication to the fundraising profession.


The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has named Jim Allen of Toronto the 2017 recipient of the Barbara Marion Award. This award recognizes an outstanding leader in the fundraising profession for their years of service and volunteer contributions to AFP at local, regional, national and international levels.

Since beginning his career more than 40 years ago, Jim Allen has been a trailblazer in the fundraising profession. He is one of the first fundraisers in the world to receive the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, and one of just four Canadians (and 100 people worldwide) to hold the Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive (ACFRE) designation.

Allen has been involved with AFP since 1980, serving multiple terms on its board, and helping to found AFP chapters in Toronto and Cleveland. Toronto is today the largest of AFP’s 230 international chapters, boasting 1,200 members.

In his current role as Philanthropy Officer for The Living City Foundation, the fundraising arm of Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA), Allen regularly inspires corporate and individual donors to support the environmental work and educational programs of one of Ontario’s largest conservation authorities.

“Jim is an exceptional person and professional. In everything he does, he exemplifies kindness, dedication and sincerity. He is a constant source of inspiration for our team,” said Derek Edwards, Executive Director of The Living City Foundation. “We’re thrilled that his contributions to the fundraising profession are being recognized with this award.”

The Barbara Marion Award is named after the first woman to chair both the AFP and the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy.

“Barbara Marion was a professional colleague whom I greatly admired and respected,” Allen said. “She was a true pioneer in the history of AFP and I am humbled and honoured to receive this award in her memory.”

Allen’s leadership and volunteer achievements will be recognized next year at the AFP International Fundraising Conference in New Orleans, where he will be presented with his award.