Application for COVID-19 Related Financial Assistance

MEDIA ALERT - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                   

American Fundraising Foundation Announces

Golden Pear Award Recipients

MAITLAND, Fla. (August 20, 2020) – The American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund) has announced 21 Golden Pear Award recipients as part of its expanded support for qualified nonprofit organizations throughout the nation. Over 615 organizations applied for these additional funding opportunity grants due to the adverse impact of the pandemic on their fundraising abilities. 

“Each organization effectively demonstrated their need, and as a nonprofit ourselves, it was a very difficult decision to choose some organizations over others”, said Deborah Marshall, Chief Operating Officer of the American Fundraising Foundation.  “We are grateful to the nonprofit community for continuing to make life better for all of us through their varied missions.  The Golden Pear is part of our logo and symbolizes good health, prosperity, longevity and future happiness – all the things we hope for these worthy organizations.”

This year’s Golden Pear Award recipients, receiving unrestricted grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 are:

Act Now Foundation – North Bergen, New Jersey

EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Foundation – Niceville, Florida

Marian Hope Center for Children’s Therapy – Independence, Missouri

Missions On Wheels – Magnolia, Texas

Sunlight Children’s Advocacy – Andover, Kansas

Delaware Humane Association – Wilmington, Delaware

Why Not Prosper – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Feed My Starving Children – Coon Rapids, Minnesota

Gilda’s Club – Rochester, New York

The Vine School – Victoria, Texas

Agape Animal Rescue – Old Hickory, Tennessee

Family & Children Services – Midland, Michigan

Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine – Lakeland, Florida

Riverstone Senior Life Services – New York, New York

Al Wooten, Jr. Youth Center – Los Angeles, California

Ronald McDonald House of Houston/Galveston – Bellaire, Texas

Heart Haven Outreach – Bolingbrook, Illinois

The Foundation of Hope – Raleigh, North Carolina

Racine Zoo – Racine, Wisconsin

Matthew’s Hope Ministries – Orlando, Florida

South Shore YMCA – Norwell, Massachusetts

“We congratulate the recipients of this year’s awards and are grateful for all the organizations who applied.  Their stories are heartwarming and compelling.  I cannot imagine life without the valuable services they provide. We will continue to work with each applicant to provide additional support through our signature sponsorship of events,” said Marshall.

AmFund routinely supports hundreds of nonprofits through sponsorship of events; however, with the necessity of cancelling events, the landscape for fundraising has rapidly changed.  As a result, AmFund introduced a new VIP Virtual Silent Auction and a new electronic platform uniquely designed for organizations chosen to be supported by AmFund.     

The American Fundraising Foundation, a GuideStar Platinum rated 501(c)3 nonprofit, has distributed over 36 million dollars to other service-providing nonprofits over the course of the past 20 years.   It was also recognized as the 2020 Fundraiser of the Year by Nonprofit PRO.

To apply for AmFund’s additional funding opportunities call 407-895-8000 or send an email to Info@AmFund.org    

Media Contact:
Deborah Marshall
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
dmarshall@amfund.org
(407) 895-8000

About the American Fundraising Foundation

Each year, the American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund) carefully chooses organizations to support through sponsorship of events, unrestricted grant distribution, virtual silent auctions, and other programs to raise much-needed unrestricted funds for the important mission of those organizations.

AmFund was recognized in 2020 by Nonprofit PRO as Fundraiser of the Year.  It is also recognized with the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency and since 1999 has distributed more than $36 million for worthy causes. Its signature silent auctions featuring once-in-a-lifetime experiences, that are good for three years with no black out dates, are presented at organizations’ special events - drawing admiration, praise and excitement as the entire process elevates the event in the eyes of patrons, board members and the community. This year, it introduced AmFund VIP, a virtual silent auction that is becoming the “go-to” fundraising option for nonprofits.

Leveraging more than two decades of fundraising experience, AmFund also provides expert training on a wide variety of topics and offers subject matter expertise through its Speaker’s Bureau for groups ranging in size from 12 to 500. 

For more information, visit www.amfund.org or call (407) 895-8000. Read AmFund’s blog at www.amfund.org/blog and connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn.

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The American Fundraising Foundation continues to provide unrestricted funds through it’s virtual and live event sponsorships. You may contact us by clicking below to see if your organization qualifies for our support. We have expanded the sponsorship opportunities for nonprofits this year and will be happy to present your organization to our Executive Council for consideration. After receiving your information, one of our Development Directors will contact you to obtain additional information.

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If you have applied for a financial grant as part of our Covid-19 response to further support nonprofits, the grant program closed at midnight (EST) July 15, 2020. Award announcements will be made during the first week of August 2020.  The American Fundraising Foundation expanded its year-end giving program by adding a mid-year grant-giving cycle.  We will again be taking applications for grants beginning October 20, 2020, for awards in January. Please make sure you have opted in for email notifications or visit the News section of our website for updates.

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We know that nonprofits across the country are doing some heavy lifting during these challenging times. Our financial support through one or more of our funding programs can mean the difference in your organization continuing to meet is goals and fulfill its important mission.  Reach out to us today as we are still approving organizations for support.