Friends In Deed Hires New Development Director

Favio Tello to lead fundraising and community partnerships for Pasadena nonprofit

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Friends In Deed, a Pasadena-based interfaith nonprofit serving the homeless and at-risk communities since 1894, has hired Favio Tello as its new Director of Development and Communications. Tello, a UC Berkeley graduate, brings experience in nonprofit fundraising and advocacy to the role responsible for donor relations, community partnerships, and public messaging.

Why it matters

Friends In Deed operates critical programs for Pasadena's vulnerable populations, including a food pantry, women's shelter, and eviction prevention services. Tello's hire comes at a pivotal time as demand for the organization's services remains high, especially following the devastating Eaton Fire in 2025.

The details

In his new role, Tello will be tasked with strengthening sustainable funding, expanding community partnerships, and ensuring the organization's mission remains visible and supported. Friends In Deed was founded in 1894 and became a nonprofit in 1946, operating from its current facility since 1978. The organization was named California's Nonprofit of the Year in 2021 and 2023.

  • Friends In Deed was founded in 1894.
  • The organization became a nonprofit in 1946.
  • Friends In Deed built its current facility in 1978.
  • The organization was named California's Nonprofit of the Year for Senate District 25 in 2021.
  • Friends In Deed was named Nonprofit of the Year in 2023.

The players

Favio Tello

The new Director of Development and Communications at Friends In Deed, a UC Berkeley graduate with experience in nonprofit fundraising and advocacy.

Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater

The Chief Executive Officer of Friends In Deed, who has led the nonprofit since 2017.

Friends In Deed

An interfaith nonprofit that has served Pasadena's homeless and at-risk communities since 1894, operating five programs including a food pantry, women's shelter, and eviction prevention services.

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The takeaway

Friends In Deed's hire of Favio Tello as Development Director comes at a critical time for the Pasadena nonprofit, as it continues to serve the community's most vulnerable populations and recover from the devastating Eaton Fire. Tello's experience in fundraising and advocacy will be crucial in strengthening the organization's sustainable funding and community partnerships.