About
Our world is stronger, more resilient and increasingly capable because of nonprofit organizations. As a consultant and contractor, my mission is to increase leadership confidence and capacity so that nonprofit missions and visions become reality.
Deb Merchant - that’s me - brings more than two decades engaging with nonprofit organizations from the local to international scales. Program, grant and contract management, fundraising and executive director experience provide me with both deep and broad perspectives for people, planet and profit. My service as a grant review team member, Board member and program volunteer brings greater understanding to the valuable role that nonprofit organizations play in local and global communities. I have a deeply held passion for the nonprofit sector that enables me to meet new executive directors, fundraisers and communication staff, and administrators where they are in their evolutionary cycle.
Part of my work to support nonprofit organizations includes visual storytelling, which is where photography plays an important part of my life. If you see any images that you would like to use in your storytelling, please contact me.
Born in Oregon’s Great Basin Desert, and raised in numerous small towns throughout Oregon, many traditional villages and now these nine federally recognized Indigenous Nations of Oregon cared for the lands, waters and wildlife where I have the privilege to live, work and play: The Klamath, Burns Paiute, Coquille, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians, Confederated Tribes of Umatilla, Confederated Tribes of Siletz, Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. I acknowledge and honor all tribes who have traditional connections to these lands, and displaced Indigenous Peoples who reside in Oregon.
What People Are Saying
“I cannot express how invaluable it is to have Deb as my mentor and United4Change Center (U4C)’s strategic advisor. As an expert in the field of nonprofits, she has been able to take U4C to a higher level. She has supported and guided me as the leader of U4C and my team with compassion and empathy. During my professional career, I have not met anybody more passionate about nonprofits and their mission to change the world, transforming lives and protecting nature. She is thorough, thoughtful, and knowledgeable, always going far beyond my expectations. Deb has an amazing soul, she is fun to work with, a fantastic consultant, advisor, colleague, and friend”
Ximena Murillo, MIB
United4Change Center, CEO
“Deb brings decades of non-profit development expertise to our team, and her work and successful outcomes make her as valuable as a full-time staffer. She's the most organized person I know, setting up grant applications and year-end giving with clear, step-by-step instructions for what she needs from each of us. She's also a great teacher; I've learned so much about how development and program delivery complement each other and in turn, I'm a more skilled grant writer and project manager. With Deb, you'll elevate your team and your results.”
Megan Ballard
Program Director
"Working with Deb, I have been challenged and grown in ways that could only be facilitated by an impeccable leader. In our first conversation, I quickly realized that I had met one of the most reliable, passionate, and honest people in my 35 years. I believe and feel that Deb knows exactly what impact and legacy she would like to have, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have such a solid hand to grab while our organization rises from the ashes. Truly an inspiration."
Augustus Gleason
Facility Director
“Deb Merchant was hired by View the Future, a 501(c)(3) to guide and supervise our all-volunteer board of directors in completing its first strategic plan. A specialist working in the environmental field, Ms. Merchant was well-organized and extremely thorough, patiently guiding us through the complexities and decision-making needed to achieve an action-oriented, implementable plan. Of Ms. Merchants many offered skills and and vast experience, her supportive and collaborative nature gave us all confidence to grow and succeed. We highly recommend Ms. Merchant to assist non-profits, small or large, that have environmental or cultural preservation as part of their mission.”
Joanne Kittel and John Theilacker
Board Co-Chairs
"I have had the pleasure of working closely with Deb Merchant for almost two years. She has provided an unprecedented level of expertise and guidance to all aspects of our organization. When Deb arrived, the organization was faced with a number of challenging situations, she navigated each one with clarity and ease. Deb brings a thorough attention to detail and a vast array of experiences in the nonprofit field to all of her clients. She is both a valued member of our team and personal mentor and coach."
Sarah Woods
Co-founder & Program Director