Linda McNeil – Nonprofit Consultant, Community Leader, and Author

Leader

Taking the lead by serving on boards and advising organizations on how to best serve the community.

Storyteller

I share the untold stories of the nonprofit world, hoping to spark new appreciation for the art of fundraising.

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Advisor

I advise nonprofits on fundraising strategies designed to meet their financial goals and fulfill their missions.

ABOUT ME

A Lifelong Memphian hungry to impact the community.

I began my professional fundraising career in LeMoyne-Owen College’s offices of Alumni Affairs and Institutional of Advancement, where I spent seven years. Over my 25-year nonprofit career, I have served as the chief fundraiser for some of the city’s most noteworthy nonprofits – BRIDGES, MIFA and the Soulsville Foundation

I’ve made my mark on the nonprofit and fundraising community at large, and in 2011 received the Association of Fundraising Professionals Crystal Award for Fundraising Executive of the Year. I was also honored as one of the Tri-State Defender’s Women of Excellence in 2015. I was most recently honored as one of the recipients of the Memphis Grizzlies 2021 HBCU Empowerment Awards for my positive contributions and impact in the Memphis community.

MY PASSION

storyteller bringing nonprofit work to life.

The nonprofit world is both exciting and chaotic. As fundraisers, we answer the call to get up every day and work to ensure the mission of the organization is fulfilled. We commit ourselves to others and their well-being, but we are oftentimes underrated and misunderstood. Because of course, people assume that all we do is attend fun parties, meet with people at restaurants, and hob nob with the Who’s Who in the city. We have the ear of the executive director; the board of directors loves us; and we are always attending the important meetings. They couldn’t be more wrong. The Nonprofit Adventures of Amber Reed sheds more light on the real world of fundraising in this lighthearted book of short stories. Add it to your Bookshelf today!

What People Are Saying

This book is an excellent compilation of every imaginable scenario a dedicated fundraiser will encounter. Fundraising professionals of all backgrounds will enjoy these treasures, but those of color will cherish seeing themselves portrayed in such a positive and commanding light.

Amber reed is my SHERO!

Linda McNeil you have outdone yourself. This book is written beautifully and shows your passion about your work. Knowing you and reading this made me admire your ethic even more. Your dedication to the nonprofit sector in your community is unmatched and as your stated, the bug has been passed to your family as well. The only thing wrong with this book is I wanted more. Great job!

This book provides great insight into the life of a nonprofit professional!

Finished it. Well done! The stories were a delight. I could see the action as they went along. As a former non-profit CEO and now funder, the stories resonated with me. But, you don’t have to know the biz to understand and feel the stories.

I devoured it from cover to cover the day I received it and highly recommend, especially if you’re a fundraiser living through another EOCY push. Perennial wisdom and relatable anecdotes to remind us why we do this work and why it matters! Love you Amber Reed!!

Brilliant and creative. RUN don't walk to get your copy! This is a wonderful inside look at the world of fundraising by one of the best! AND it will leave you feeling uplifted instead of defeated. HIGHLY recommend!