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Scholarship Application Open, Helpful Workshops Available
The Arizona Community Foundation’s general scholarship application is now open. These scholarships are available to students attending accredited postsecondary schools during the 2025-26 academic year. As Arizona’s largest independent provider of scholarship funding, ACF offers access to more than 150 scholarships through an online application. Applicants complete one application that instantly matches them with scholarship opportunities…
Bettina Nava elected to the ACF Board
The Arizona Community Foundation Board of Directors recently elected Bettina Nava to the board. Nava is a Partner at Nexus Strategy Group, a communications firm with expansive expertise in communications, public affairs, and strategic planning. She helps to lead the firm’s community and business community relations, with a focus on strategic partnerships and coalition building.…
Year-end giving deadlines for 2024
The Arizona Community Foundation is poised to assist you with your year-end giving. So that we can provide the best possible service and ensure your charitable gifts qualify for a charitable income tax deduction in the 2024 tax year, please keep these important dates in mind: All documentation to create a new scholarship fund to…
Kellenberger + Tollefson Center for LGBTQ Philanthropy awards $258,110
The Arizona Community Foundation’s Kellenberger + Tollefson Center for LGBTQ Philanthropy has announced that it has granted $258,110 to nonprofit organizations serving LGBTQ people across Arizona through its 2024 annual grant cycle. “We are honored to support 21 outstanding nonprofit organizations dedicated to uplifting the LBGTQIA+ community in Arizona,” said JD Kemper, Co-Chair of the…
Tammy Howell joins ACF as Regional Director
The Arizona Community Foundation is pleased to announce Tammy Howell is the new Regional Director, ACF of Flagstaff, as of August 14, 2024. Tammy brings 20 years of experience leading teams and building programs to support organizational and community initiatives. Her most recent role was at North Country HealthCare, where she was the Director of…
May-July staff updates
As part of the overall evolution in ACF’s organizational structure to align with our new strategic plan, several team members have been hired, promoted, or received title changes in the past couple of months. Promotions & Title Changes: Kim Covington: Vice President, Strategic Partnerships Lisa Stratton: Director, Development Sheri Denny: Regional Director, Sedona Colleen Iuliucci:…
ACF receives major three-year grant in support of Philanthropy for All
The Arizona Community Foundation’s Philanthropy for All network of giving circles and initiatives has received a major three-year grant from the Fidelity Charitable® Catalyst Fund to expand giving circle participation and funding for local nonprofits across the state. The funding will help cover the salary of a dedicated Development Advisor to support Philanthropy for All,…
Two key Regional Director promotions announced
The Arizona Community Foundation is pleased to announce two key promotions in its regional offices. Both regional directors will focus on sustainable asset development, donor and community engagement, professional advisor outreach, and volunteer development across their region. In the ACF of Sedona office, Sheri Denny, MBA, CNP, has been promoted to Regional Director. Sheri has…
Michelle Gayles joins ACF as Chief Impact Officer
The Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Gayles as the organization’s first Chief Impact Officer, effective July 8, 2024. In this pivotal role, Michelle will join the Executive Team and report directly to Anna María Chávez, ACF’s President & CEO. Michelle Gayles brings over 25 years of distinguished leadership…
Jacob Schellinger joins ACF as General Counsel
The Arizona Community Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Jacob Schellinger as its first General Counsel, effective June 24. With a distinguished career dedicated to utilizing law and policy to improve the lives of people and communities, Schellinger brings invaluable experience to his new role at ACF. Prior to joining ACF, Schellinger served…
$109.8 million distributed to communities in fiscal ’24
The Arizona Community Foundation and its donors and partners are pleased to announce grant, scholarship, and loan distributions for its fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. A total of $109,820,976 was awarded from funds of the Arizona Community Foundation and its six statewide regional offices in Cochise, Flagstaff, the Gila Valley, Sedona, Yavapai County, and…
Michele Halyard, MD, FASTRO elected to the ACF Board
The Arizona Community Foundation Board of Directors recently elected Michele Halyard, MD, FASTRO to the board. She was elected during the board’s January meeting. Michele Halyard is a senior leader with experience in navigating organizational complexities and delivering strategic outcomes. Dr. Halyard brings over 30 years in healthcare practice, medical education, research, and healthcare strategy.…