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Nominations Honoring Local Nonprofit Organizations and Individuals
The Arizona Community Foundation of the Gila Valley invites the public to the Graham Greenlee Grant Celebration on Tuesday, September 17, at 4:00 p.m. at Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher. This annual event celebrates the outstanding contributions of local nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and philanthropists. Volunteer and Nonprofit of the Year awardees will be announced during…
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…
Recap of Sedona Nonprofit Site Visits
By: Sheri Denny, Regional Philanthropic Advisor Members of the community were invited to join ACF of Sedona and the Verde Valley staff, Board of Advisors, donors, and volunteers as we visited and learned about the important work of our local nonprofits. These were free philanthropic field trips, otherwise known as site visits. Most of the…
$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…
April staff promotions
The following team members were elevated to new positions as part of an overall evolution in ACF’s organizational structure to align with our new strategic plan, effective April 1, 2024: Jennifer Foley: Vice President, Marketing & Communications Morgan Bishop Fraser: Vice President, Operations Amber Ramirez: Senior Director, Development Ashley Acton: Senior Director, Grants Management Allan…
ACF announces key promotions and recruitment
The Arizona Community Foundation is pleased to announce that executive Eric Nystrom and senior leader Jennifer W. Perry have been elevated to new positions as part of an overall evolution in the foundation’s organizational structure. Eric Nystrom was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, having been named as interim COO in December. In this role, Nystrom…
Black Philanthropy Initiative grants to nine organizations in 2023
Through strategic grantmaking, the funds of ACF’s Black Philanthropy Initiative support nonprofit organizations that serve African Americans in such critical areas as health, education, economic development, and community building. 2023-2024 BPI grant recipients: 100 Black Men of Phoenix ACRES Ready, Set, Go Foundation Tucson Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. STIRS, Inc. Mission…
$27.4 million distributed between October 1 and December 31
The Arizona Community Foundation and its donors are pleased to announce grant and scholarship distributions for the second quarter of its fiscal year. Between October 1 and December 31, 2023, a total of $27,378,166 was awarded from funds of the Arizona Community Foundation and its six statewide regional offices in: Cochise, Flagstaff, the Gila Valley,…
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.…