Friends of the Children Founder Duncan Campbell Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at National Mentoring Summit
Friends of the Children announced today that its founder, social entrepreneur and philanthropist Duncan Campbell, was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Mentoring Summit's Excellence in Mentoring award ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 30, 2025. Campbell's visionary leadership and lifelong dedication to improving the lives of children who have the potential to succeed while facing significant barriers has redefined the youth mentoring field in the U.S.
'More than 30 years ago, I focused on the idea that just one long-term relationship can change a child's life for the better,' said Campbell. 'I'm so humbled and honored that Friends of the Children has grown from one chapter with 24 children being served by three professional mentors in Portland, OR, in 1993 to more than 40 sites across the country serving thousands of youth in urban, suburban, rural, and Indigenous communities.'
Friends of the Children was founded in 1993 and employs full-time, professional mentors—called Friends—who commit to each child for 12+ years, no matter what. What began as a small organization in Portland, Ore. has now reached over 16,000 children and families in 42 locations nationwide, raising millions of dollars to scale its innovative approach to breaking cycles of generational poverty. It is the first and only long-term, professional mentoring program in the U.S.
'Duncan Campbell's vision and determination have changed the trajectory of thousands of young lives toward hope and opportunities for successful futures,' said U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). 'Friends of the Children exemplifies what happens when innovation meets compassion. I am proud to call Duncan my friend. And all of Oregon is proud to call him one of our own.'
Under Campbell's leadership, Friends of the Children has demonstrated that fostering a stable, nurturing relationship with a caring adult can effectively address societal challenges like foster care intervention and childhood trauma.
'Duncan Campbell's unwavering commitment to mentoring young Americans has set a standard for organizations nationwide and reminds us that addressing society's biggest challenges begins with kindness, support, and long-term investment in our children,' said U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). 'This lifetime achievement award is a testament to the incredible work he has done through Friends of the Children, and I look forward to witnessing the organization's impact for years to come.'
Campbell's influence extends beyond Friends of the Children. As a social entrepreneur, he has founded multiple organizations dedicated to the well-being of children and families, including the nationally recognized Children's Institute. His work has earned national recognition, including Civic Venture's Purpose Prize, and his commitment to education has left a legacy at institutions such as the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and Portland State University. Campbell also spent more than 30 years in the timberland investment and forest industry as the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Campbell Global timber investment firm.
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