Fearless Leader

Debra L. Minton is President and Founder of Philanthropia Partners, a consulting firm that helps nonprofits, their leaders, philanthropists and entrepreneurs reach their full philanthropic potential.  Deb has built her 24-year career as an accomplished nonprofit executive in Michigan, working as a consultant, strategist, teacher, speaker and coach.  Deb has been instrumental in building nonprofit capacity while raising more than $150 million in philanthropy for organizations such as the Heart of West Michigan United Way and the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids.

Most recently, Deb served as the YMCA’s Vice President of Development.  As their first in-house development person, Deb envisioned and created a comprehensive fund development department from the ground up.  Her work there laid the foundation for an unprecedented eight year, $30 million expansion effort that brought three new YMCAs to the region.  Prior to the YMCA, Deb spent 12 years at the Heart of West Michigan United Way leading the community campaign and directing the efforts of staff, loaned executives and hundreds of community leaders and volunteers.

Deb has been a focused, motivational, and informed featured speaker for a variety of regional and national groups and associations, including the Association of Fundraising Professionals,  West Michigan Planned Giving Group, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Grand Valley State University, Michigan Women’s Foundation, United Way of America, and YMCA Key Leaders to name a few.

Deb has a Bachelor’s in Science from Michigan State University; a Master’s in Management from Aquinas College, is a Dale Carnegie graduate and is a continual student and practitioner of Jerry Panas’ Institute of Charitable Giving.

In addition to her responsibilities at the firm, Deb serves on the Western Regional Council Board of Inforum, and Board of Directors for the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.  She is also a member of the Michigan Women’s Foundation Power of 100 Women and co-chair of MWF’s 2012 Women of Achievement and Courage Award Luncheon.  She is an active member with the Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan Chapter, The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Club of Grand Rapids.

Recent accolades

• Recipient of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Benjamin Franklin Outstanding Fundraiser Award
• Former President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals – West Michigan Chapter
• Association of Fundraising Professionals National Delegate in Russia
• Capital counsel / support to YMCA in Leon, Mexico
• Co-Founder of Leave a Legacy West Michigan
• Recipient of the Lasting Legacy Award from United Way of America
• 2008 Women of Achievement – YWCA