AFP Member Spotlight: Lee Roth

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 Lee Roth, community relations and marketing coordinator at NeighborWorks® Toledo Region. Lee shared how as a new fundraiser, they are helping their organization reduce its dependence on federal funding in the face of this year’s uncertainty by embracing radical helpfulness and resiliency.

Q: How did you start your career in the fundraising profession and what led you there?
A: I began my career at NeighborWorks® Toledo Region (NTR) in February of 2024 as a LISC AmeriCorps Economic Mobility Corps member. I served as a community outreach and empowerment coordinator at NTR, assisting them with their marketing, outreach, and engagement efforts in the Toledo area. After my service year was completed, I was fortunate to be hired by NTR as a community relations and marketing coordinator. This role introduced fun and stimulating challenges while allowing me to explore my creativity through targeted marketing and outreach campaigns. The unpredictability of 2025 uncovered a neglected area of NTR's programming and operations: fundraising. Our team is working to decrease our reliance on federal funds by stepping into the fundraising sector.

Q: When and why did you decide to become an AFP member?
A: I was fortunate to receive a scholarship for AFP's Northwest Ohio chapter after a mentor recommended I apply earlier this summer. This was my first introduction to AFP, and I felt deeply grateful to have been given an opportunity to expand my network, learn from local professionals, and grow as a young fundraiser.

Q: Are you doing anything innovative at your organization (or a past organization) that you think other fundraisers could benefit from?
A: I am still fresh in the fundraising sector, so I am devoting most of my time to planning, networking, and researching for future fundraising efforts and events. In June, I finalized NTR's 2025-2026 fundraising/communications plan, and I am happy to share that we have recently rolled out a print and digital mini campaign before the start of the fall and winter seasons. 

Q: What is your favorite word? (only one word) How has this word influenced or inspired your career?
A: I find the word radical to be quite inspiring. Radical change, radical progress, radical ideas. Skating by and upholding the norm, whether it be in complacency, apathy, or fear, does not serve us. There is a real, tangible need for movement; for radical thinkers and radical doers to show up for our communities under threat. I hope that my work reflects my desire to be a radically helpful and present neighbor.

Q: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I'm very proud to be a piece of a network of helpers that provides no-cost financial wellness services to low-income individuals and families in the greater Toledo area. I feel I am able to show up for my neighbors in what often feels like an ultra-siloed era.

Q: How has being an AFP member and participating in the AFP affinity groups benefited you in your career?
A: I have enjoyed networking with AFP members from hundreds of miles away that are facing similar challenges, joys, and opportunities. I deeply appreciate that AFP creates space for the myriads of communities that AFP members represent and especially have found comfort in the LGBTQ+ affinity group.

Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the nonprofit fundraising profession today?
A: Regardless of the vitality of our collective impacts, there is a cloud of uncertainty looming over nonprofits in the United States that chokes and often prevents action. It's so hard to plan for future efforts when you're not confident that your organization will not exist two years from now. It can feel like an impossible task, but I find that resistance and resiliency show love to your community, and even yourself.

Q: What advice do you have for other fundraising professionals?
A: Keep going! Not only are you making a tangible difference in your community, but you're also serving as an example for younger, fresher fundraising professionals. Thank you for doing what you do!