Child Crisis Arizona’s Justin Duran Named 2026 Fundraising Executive of the Year
(PHOENIX – Nov. 5, 2026) – Child Crisis Arizona is proud to announce that Justin Duran, the organization’s senior vice president of resource development and communications, has been named the 2026 Fundraising Executive of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Arizona Chapter. Duran was formally recognized during the chapter’s National Philanthropy Day Award Dinner and Ceremony on Nov. 4 at the Phoenix Country Club.
The annual celebration, themed “Philanthropy Reimagined: Community Restored,” honored individuals and organizations making significant contributions to philanthropy across Arizona. Duran was selected for the prestigious recognition following a nomination by Child Crisis Arizona and a review by a diverse selection panel.
“I’m truly honored to receive this recognition from AFP Greater Arizona,” said Duran. “Throughout my career, I’ve learned that fundraising is really about people, building relationships, earning trust, and bringing others together to make a difference. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside wonderful colleagues, donors, and community partners, especially at Child Crisis Arizona. I’m grateful for the people who have believed in me along the way, and I hope I can continue to do the same for others.”
With more than 20 years of nonprofit experience, Duran has built a career centered on connecting people and resources to strengthen communities. Early in his career, he advanced through program and leadership roles at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, ultimately serving as branch director of the McKee Branch in Fountain Hills. In February 2016, he joined Child Crisis Arizona as a development manager, beginning a decade of service marked by professional growth, ambitious fundraising achievements and an enduring commitment to protecting Arizona’s children and families.
Since joining Child Crisis Arizona, Duran has advanced through successive leadership roles to become the executive overseeing the organization’s development and communications strategy. Under his leadership, Child Crisis Arizona has exceeded its budgeted philanthropic revenue goals for nine consecutive years, building a stronger and more diversified foundation of support for its programs.
Today, as senior vice president of resource development and communications, Duran oversees the organization’s philanthropic, marketing and special events efforts, leading a team responsible for connecting community supporters with programs that provide safety, stability and opportunity for Arizona children and families. His work has strengthened several key revenue streams, including individual and legacy giving, grants, corporate partnerships, special events and the Qualified Foster Care Organization (QFCO) tax credit program.
Among his most significant recent achievements is Child Crisis Arizona’s Everlasting Impact initiative, a naming-rights campaign inviting major donors to invest in the organization’s early education campuses in Mesa and Phoenix. The initiative has generated nearly $10 million in sustainable philanthropic support, helping build a more reliable funding base for early education and the children and families who depend on these services.
In addition to leading fundraising strategy, Duran has helped guide major public awareness efforts, including Child Crisis Arizona’s 50th anniversary campaign, bringing together internal teams, media and marketing partners to highlight five decades of impact and inspire continued community support.
“Justin’s impact on Child Crisis Arizona is felt in every corner of our organization. Throughout his tenure, he has helped grow our fundraising efforts, cultivate meaningful relationships with donors and community partners, secure transformational philanthropic investments, and lead campaigns and events that inspire people to invest in the safety and futures of Arizona’s children,” said Torrie Taj, chief executive officer of Child Crisis Arizona. “From strengthening individual and legacy giving to building corporate partnerships and advancing major fundraising initiatives, Justin brings both strategic vision and a deep personal commitment to this mission. I am incredibly proud of the drive, integrity and strong ethical foundation he brings to his work, and of his unwavering willingness to champion children and families in our community.”
Beyond his leadership at Child Crisis Arizona, Duran has made significant contributions to the fundraising profession through his volunteer service with the AFP Greater Arizona Chapter. He has served multiple terms on the chapter’s board of directors, including from 2016 to 2018 and from 2024 to the present. His volunteer leadership has included co-chairing the Membership Committee in 2024, serving as National Philanthropy Day chair in 2025 and acting as Foundation Chair, where he helped secure board and alumni contributions to achieve 100% board giving participation.
Duran is also committed to developing the next generation of fundraising professionals. He serves as a mentor through AFP’s Professional Mentorship Program, taught the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) practice course in 2023 and has facilitated educational sessions at AFP ICON and AZ Impact for Good. Within his own department, he encourages professional development, continuing education and CFRE certification, helping build a culture of collaboration and ethical fundraising leadership.
Throughout his career, Duran has emphasized integrity, responsible stewardship and meaningful relationships with donors and community partners. His combination of measurable fundraising results, innovative approaches to philanthropy, professional mentorship and service to the broader fundraising community has helped strengthen both Child Crisis Arizona and the nonprofit sector across the state.
For more information, visit www.childcrisisaz.org.
About Child Crisis Arizona
Since 1976, Child Crisis Arizona has served vulnerable children and families in Arizona and is committed to preventing child abuse and neglect through education and intervention. Child Crisis Arizona offers emergency shelter and residential care for children and youth from birth to 21 and provides foster care and adoption services, early education, communitywide parenting classes, workshops, support groups and much more. Child Crisis Arizona has positively impacted more than 200,000 children and families since its inception. For more information, visit www.childcrisisaz.org.
