AFP Member Spotlight: Carmen Elliott, M.S., CAE

AFP Member Spotlights are a recurring series of interviews with AFP members, highlighting the unique individuals and career paths that exist within the fundraising profession. If you know an inspiring fundraising professional who deserves to be featured, please email [email protected].

In this member spotlight, we interviewed Carmen Elliott, M.S., CAE, executive director of the Physical Therapy Fund and vice president of the American Physical Therapy Association. Her journey from healthcare administration to leading a mission-driven foundation reflects her passion for community impact, commitment to strategic leadership, and belief that authentic relationships are at the heart of effective fundraising.

Q: How did you start your career in the fundraising profession and what led you there? 
A: My career has always been in healthcare administration, spanning both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Over time, I found my true calling in the nonprofit sector, where I could more directly serve the community through mission-driven work. That passion led me to a pivotal opportunity: I was invited to lead the 501(c)(3) arm affiliated with my broader organization. It was an exciting chance to deepen my impact, align my leadership with purpose, and grow within the fundraising profession.

Q: When and why did you decide to become an AFP member? 
A: I am a relatively new member of AFP, having just celebrated my one-year anniversary this past October. I joined because I was seeking a professional community that could support my growth in fundraising and being a leader in this space. After transitioning into the field nearly five years ago, I was eager to deepen my expertise in fundraising strategy, relationship-building, and philanthropy. AFP’s wealth of resources, educational opportunities, and network of professionals made it the ideal place to continue developing my skills and expand my impact. 

Q: Are you doing anything innovative at your organization (or a past organization) that you think other fundraisers could benefit from?
A: A member of my team had a fabulous idea leading up to last year's GivingTuesday. It was called “Pick a Date to Donate” fundraiser. The donor would simply choose one or more days, between November 3 through December 3 from the calendar and donate an amount that matches each selected date. (Example - Nov. 15=$15; Nov. 25=$25). Multiple people can choose the same date. They also could choose to give a personalized amount. While it was a small dollar campaign, it resonated with donors. Each donation supported student scholarships for future physical therapists. 

Q: What is your favorite word? (only one word) How has this word influenced or inspired your career?
A: My favorite word is “relator.” Relator is one of my top strengths with Gallup StrengthsFinder®. A relator forms solid, genuine, and mutually rewarding relationships. A major component of fundraising strategy is relationship-building. It moves away from the transactional toward creating sustainable, long-term partnerships. 

Q: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of? 
A: My response to this question may be totally different from other responses. However, one of the professional accomplishments I am most proud of is stepping into the role of executive director of the Physical Therapy (PT) Fund and leading the development of its governance structure from the ground up. It was a unique and rewarding opportunity to shape the PT Fund’s strategic direction and operational framework. With insight and guidance from senior leaders across the broader organization, I was able to build a strong foundation that supports sustainable growth, mission alignment, and long-term impact.

Q: How has being an AFP member and participating in the AFP affinity groups benefited you in your career? 
A: As I mentioned earlier, while I’m still relatively new to AFP, I have already experienced the value of its community and resources. When I saw the announcement for the African American/Black affinity group meeting, I felt compelled to join. Despite not knowing anyone initially, the warmth, authenticity, and shared purpose in that virtual space were immediately evident. At the time, I was navigating urgent changes to one of our scholarship programs and needed strategic insight and reassurance. The group provided both, affirming my approach and reinforcing the importance of aligning risk mitigation with mission-driven values. It was a powerful reminder of the strength found in shared experience and collective wisdom. 

Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the nonprofit fundraising profession today?
A: Diversification of revenue streams. One of the most pressing challenges facing the nonprofit fundraising profession today is the imperative to diversify revenue streams. As traditional funding sources, particularly federal dollars, become increasingly constrained or competitive, organizations must adopt a more strategic and innovative approach to financial sustainability. This means not only expanding into new funding channels such as corporate partnerships, individual giving, and earned income, but also building the internal capacity to manage and optimize these streams effectively. The ability to be agile, data-informed, and mission-aligned in revenue diversification is critical to long-term impact and resilience.

Q: What advice do you have for other fundraising professionals? 
A: My advice to fellow fundraising professionals is to always lead with strategic clarity. To borrow the words from Stephen Covey, “begin with the end in mind.” Ground your efforts in a clear understanding of your organization's mission, long-term goals, and desired impact. This relator mindset ensures that every campaign, partnership, and donor engagement is purpose-driven, aligned with your values, and contributes meaningfully to sustainable growth.