Board Member Spotlight
Justin Evans (he/him)
Development Associate, Kitchen Table Advisors
How long have you been involved in the nonprofit sector? How and why did you get into fundraising?
I’ve been working in the nonprofit sector for about three years now. My background is actually in the music industry, and I have a degree in anthropology, so I’ve always been drawn to culture, storytelling, and the ways people connect. Over time, I became more interested in climate-related work and in opportunities to uplift and engage with communities in meaningful ways. Fundraising felt like a natural extension of that—it’s a way to build relationships, support causes I care deeply about, and help create lasting impact.
I’ve been working in the nonprofit sector for about three years now. My background is actually in the music industry, and I have a degree in anthropology, so I’ve always been drawn to culture, storytelling, and the ways people connect. Over time, I became more interested in climate-related work and in opportunities to uplift and engage with communities in meaningful ways. Fundraising felt like a natural extension of that—it’s a way to build relationships, support causes I care deeply about, and help create lasting impact.
Please tell us about your current role and responsibilities.
In my current role, I support Kitchen Table Advisors’ fundraising efforts through business advising and strategic development. I manage government grant processes, oversee a portfolio of community-level donors, and help plan and execute our fundraising events. My work focuses on building strong relationships and ensuring the financial sustainability of our programs.
In my current role, I support Kitchen Table Advisors’ fundraising efforts through business advising and strategic development. I manage government grant processes, oversee a portfolio of community-level donors, and help plan and execute our fundraising events. My work focuses on building strong relationships and ensuring the financial sustainability of our programs.
What are some highlights in your current role and in your career? What has been the biggest challenge?
One of the most meaningful highlights of my career has been making a tangible impact on our local farming community. In my current role, I’ve had the opportunity to support farmers and ranchers in purchasing or initiating land-ownership agreements—work that’s both practical and deeply rewarding. I’m especially proud of our collaborations with values-aligned organizations that help improve economic viability for farmers and ranchers, and of piloting innovative programs that expand access to land, markets, and capital for those who have historically been underserved.
Another highlight has been leading our year-end fundraising campaigns. Each year, we’ve met or exceeded our goals, which speaks to the strength of our mission and the generosity of our supporters. I always come back to the core belief that food is essential—and that continues to drive my work.
One of the biggest challenges has been adapting to ever-shifting macro-socioeconomic factors—droughts, winter storms, COVID, and policy changes have all affected how we operate. The changing food system, including rising food prices, also adds complexity. And like many in this field, I’ve had to work hard to maintain a balance between the urgency of the work and my own well-being.
One of the most meaningful highlights of my career has been making a tangible impact on our local farming community. In my current role, I’ve had the opportunity to support farmers and ranchers in purchasing or initiating land-ownership agreements—work that’s both practical and deeply rewarding. I’m especially proud of our collaborations with values-aligned organizations that help improve economic viability for farmers and ranchers, and of piloting innovative programs that expand access to land, markets, and capital for those who have historically been underserved.
Another highlight has been leading our year-end fundraising campaigns. Each year, we’ve met or exceeded our goals, which speaks to the strength of our mission and the generosity of our supporters. I always come back to the core belief that food is essential—and that continues to drive my work.
One of the biggest challenges has been adapting to ever-shifting macro-socioeconomic factors—droughts, winter storms, COVID, and policy changes have all affected how we operate. The changing food system, including rising food prices, also adds complexity. And like many in this field, I’ve had to work hard to maintain a balance between the urgency of the work and my own well-being.
What professional knowledge would you impart to other nonprofit fundraisers?
First, make time for yourself—sustainability in this work starts with your own well-being. Second, remember that every fundraising team is different. Strategies and structures vary widely, so stay flexible, learn from others, and adapt approaches to fit your organization’s unique mission and capacity.
First, make time for yourself—sustainability in this work starts with your own well-being. Second, remember that every fundraising team is different. Strategies and structures vary widely, so stay flexible, learn from others, and adapt approaches to fit your organization’s unique mission and capacity.
How did you get involved with AFP?
As someone new to the fundraising landscape, I joined the 2024 AFP-GG IDEA Fellowship after a coworker—who had also completed the program—recommended it to me. It was a great introduction to the field and helped me build a strong foundation and network early in my fundraising career.
As someone new to the fundraising landscape, I joined the 2024 AFP-GG IDEA Fellowship after a coworker—who had also completed the program—recommended it to me. It was a great introduction to the field and helped me build a strong foundation and network early in my fundraising career.
What advice would you give to other AFP members who are considering becoming an AFP board member?
Joining the board is a great next step—just like the IDEA Fellowship, it’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded fundraising professionals and deepen your engagement with the community. It also gives you valuable experience working on a board, with flexibility to take on roles that match your interests and strengths. If you’re curious, I highly recommend exploring it.
Joining the board is a great next step—just like the IDEA Fellowship, it’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded fundraising professionals and deepen your engagement with the community. It also gives you valuable experience working on a board, with flexibility to take on roles that match your interests and strengths. If you’re curious, I highly recommend exploring it.
What are some activities you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors—whether it’s hiking, foraging, gardening, or just soaking up the sun. I also enjoy playing and watching soccer, needle felting, reading, and meditating. These activities help me recharge and stay grounded.
Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors—whether it’s hiking, foraging, gardening, or just soaking up the sun. I also enjoy playing and watching soccer, needle felting, reading, and meditating. These activities help me recharge and stay grounded.
What career goals do you still want to pursue or accomplish?
I hope to continue growing within the sustainable food systems space—deepening my impact, expanding access to resources for farmers and communities, and supporting long-term food justice and resilience.
I hope to continue growing within the sustainable food systems space—deepening my impact, expanding access to resources for farmers and communities, and supporting long-term food justice and resilience.