Arizona Community Foundation

The ACF team joined our donors, partners, and nonprofits that play critical roles in Yuma County today. The day started with a visit to The Children's Museum of Yuma County, which provides learning opportunities with hands-on exhibits, some of which have been funded by ACF of Yuma. Next, the team visited the celery fields at the Griffin Family Ranch in Somerton, a true family-run local business. Kelly Griffin, the ACF Advisory Board Chair, has played a pivotal role in the community through both her work and leadership.

After a break for lunch, the team ended the day at Campesinos Sin Fronteras, a grassroots nonprofit that assists low-income families, farm workers, immigrants, and others who contribute greatly to the agriculture-based economy in Yuma County. These farm workers work hard to provide for their families but often don’t have access to homes, healthcare, or behavioral healthcare. This organization plays a critical role in helping them access these services and has received funding from ACF of Yuma.

The day provided insight into the struggles in the Yuma County area but also celebrated the progress and honored the dedicated organizations working to make it better!

Latinas in Philanthropy & Service (LIPS) is uniting women across Arizona to harness the power of philanthropy and create lasting impact. Through collective giving, LIPS is dedicated to uplifting Latino communities and supporting vital causes across the state.

By joining this powerful network of Latina leaders, you can help drive change, amplify voices, and ensure a brighter future for generations to come.

Want to get involved? Learn more about LIPS and how you can make a difference here: https://www.azfoundation.org/ways-to-give/give-by-impact-area/latino-philanthropy/latinas-in-philanthropy-and-service/

Tammy Howell joins ACF as Regional Director – Arizona Community Foundation ACF is proud to announce the appointment of Jacob "Jake" Schellinger as its first General Counsel, effective June 24.

The Arizona Community Foundation was honored to join Valle del Sol for their 33rd Annual Profiles of Success Dinner at the Phoenix Convention Center! This incredible event is the state's largest yearly celebration of Latino leadership, recognizing the outstanding contributions of leaders across Arizona.

Our President & CEO, Anna María Chávez—herself a past recipient of a Profiles of Success award—had the privilege of introducing the winner of the Premio Humanitario award, Fernando Quiroz from Yuma. We were also thrilled to congratulate ACF grantee, Aliento, on receiving the Premio Corazón award!

A huge thank you to all the winners for their incredible contributions to our state. Your leadership and dedication continue to inspire us all.

Did you know Latinos make up 33% of Arizona’s population? Yet, they remain underrepresented in philanthropy.

Tonight, we proudly launched the Latinos Unidos initiative! This program is designed to empower Latino-led nonprofits and promote Latino leadership in philanthropy.

Latinos Unidos is more than philanthropy—it’s a movement of hope and pride in Latino generosity.

Stay tuned for more on this exciting initiative! Learn more and get involved: azfoundation.org/LatinosUnidos

This morning, President & CEO Anna María Chávez joined AZ BIG podcast hosts Michael Gossie and Amy Lindsey to discuss ACF's mission and the exciting relaunch of Latinos Unidos at tonight’s sold-out event! This initiative aims to galvanize Latino giving across Arizona, building on the foundation laid by Latino Generosity, which ACF first launched in 2005.

A big thank you to AZ BIG Media for the opportunity, and congratulations to our favorite “Most Influential Woman,” Anna María Chávez, for continuing to lead with vision and passion. We’ll update this post with a link to the episode as soon as it’s available on podcast platforms. Stay tuned!

On the second day of our visit to the southeastern region, ACF President & CEO Anna María Chávez and the ACF team had the opportunity to witness the tangible impact of our housing pre-development loans. We toured the Compass Affordable Housing, Inc. development in Tucson alongside CEO Maryann Beerling and Director of Community Engagement Carolyn Gorst. Compass Affordable Housing has received five affordable housing pre-development loans, supporting projects that are addressing critical needs in our community.

We also stopped by The Loft Cinema, where we met with Executive Director Peggy Johnson and Board President Ron Barber. As a hub for cultural and community engagement, The Loft showcased the importance of connecting local needs with funders' objectives. The day concluded with a productive meeting at the Tucson Chamber of Commerce .

This morning, ACF President & CEO Anna María Chávez and ACF team members had the pleasure of hosting a breakfast at the Arizona Inn with incredible women leaders from Tucson. The gathering was an inspiring conversation about the vital work being done in our community and how we can collaborate to drive even greater impact.

We were honored to be joined by:
Kristen Garcia-Hernandez, CEO, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona
Dr. Marcela Molina, Executive Director, Tucson Girls Chorus & Tucson Symphony Orchestra
Dr. Carolina Silva, Executive Director, Scholarships A-Z
Liz Soltero, Executive Director, Sunnyside Foundation
Yissel Salafsky, CEO, MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS
Ana Greif, CEO, JobPath
Elva De La Torre, Executive Director, KXCI Community Radio
Teresita Flores, Board Chair, Girl Scouts Southern AZ, Founder, Options+Resolutions
Lydia Aranda, Board Chair, Minority and Small Business Alliance of Southern Arizona
Paloma Santiago, District Director, Southern Arizona, Junior Achievement of Arizona

It was inspiring to connect with these dynamic leaders who are making a significant difference in the lives of so many.

Last night, President & CEO Anna María Chávez and members of the ACF team had a meaningful dinner with community leaders at BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon in Tucson. The evening was filled with insightful discussions on housing and community relations, vital areas of focus for ACF as we work together to build stronger communities across Arizona.

A special thank you to our distinguished guests:

- Andres Cano, Director of Federal & State Relations, City of Tucson
- Gustavo Corte, CFP, RBC Wealth Management
- E. Liane Hernandez, Senior Program Manager, OpEd Project
- Isabel Garcia, Retired Public Defender
- Adriana Gallego, Executive Director, Arts Foundation for Tucson
- Betty Villegas, Representative, District 20

We're grateful for the opportunity to connect and collaborate with such inspiring leaders who are dedicated to making a positive impact in our communities.

Today, our President and CEO, Anna Maria Chávez, met with key leaders from southeastern Arizona to explore our collective efforts in enhancing the quality of life across the region. The day began with a breakfast in Eloy, hosted by Anna and our dedicated ACF team.

Following the morning's discussions, Anna and the group toured El Rio Community Health Center, a vital community health provider with multiple locations throughout Tucson, highlighting the essential role of accessible healthcare in building strong, healthy communities.

The team also visited West Point Apartments II, where they gained firsthand insights into the challenges of affordable housing in the area—a critical focus for ACF as we work to ensure every Arizonan has access to safe and stable homes. Together, we're addressing the interconnected needs of housing, health, and more to build a stronger Arizona for all.

Congratulations to Peter Fine, CEO of Banner Health and ACF fundholder, for receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, and to Heidi Jannenga, ACF Board Member & fundholder, for being honored as the Philanthropic Champion at the Phoenix Business Journal's Health Care Heroes Awards!

ACF staff members Kimberly Kur and Erica Andl were proud to attend this morning's event at the Heard Museum, celebrating these remarkable leaders who are making a lasting impact on healthcare and philanthropy in Arizona.

Congratulations to our President and CEO, Anna María Chavez, on receiving the Spotlight Award for Leadership at AZ Big Media's 2024 Most Influential Women event! Anna was honored to share this special moment with Governor Katie Hobbs and the powerful community of incredible women at the event. Surrounded by her parents, and fellow female leaders from ACF, Anna was glad to bring her team to experience the inspiring energy of the day. Together, we celebrate the strength and impact of women in leadership.

This evening, our President & CEO, Anna María Chávez, was recognized as one of AZ Big Media’s 2024 Most Influential Women and honored with the Spotlight Award for Leadership!

This prestigious honor is a once-in-a-lifetime recognition, highlighting Anna María’s incredible impact on Arizona’s community.

As a leader in the nonprofit sector, her influence extends far beyond the walls of ACF, shaping the future of philanthropy and inspiring others to create positive change.

We’re so proud to celebrate her achievement and continue to be inspired by her vision and dedication.

Congratulations, Anna María, on this well-deserved recognition!

Today, our President & CEO, Anna María Chávez, was recognized as one of AZ Big Media’s 2024 Most Influential Women!

This prestigious honor is a once-in-a-lifetime recognition, highlighting Anna María’s incredible impact on Arizona’s community.

As a leader in the nonprofit sector, her influence extends far beyond the walls of ACF, shaping the future of philanthropy and inspiring others to create positive change.

We’re so proud to celebrate her achievement and continue to be inspired by her vision and dedication.

Congratulations, Anna María, on this well-deserved recognition!

Anna María Chávez, President & CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation, and General Counsel Jake Schellinger recently met with Jason Chavez, Director of Tribal Affairs for the Arizona Governor's Office. During this productive discussion, they explored ACF's Tribal initiatives and efforts to engage and support Tribal communities across the state. The conversation was both insightful and encouraging, and ACF is excited about opportunities for collaboration.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a powerful and insightful morning at the Philanthropy Now and In the Future event! Our nonprofit fundholders are true partners in making Arizona a better place, and we are incredibly proud of the positive impact you make.

We were honored to hear from Dr. Una Osili of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, who shared her expertise on current trends and challenges in philanthropy. Her insights on the state of philanthropy were timely and relevant as we work together to navigate the future.

A big thank you to our President & CEO, Anna María, for reinforcing ACF’s commitment to partnering with our nonprofits to create innovative, sustainable solutions. We’re excited to continue building and sustaining our work together!

Let's keep the momentum going— together, we will inspire giving, engage communities, catalyze partnerships, and put people first.

Our ACF staff had the privilege of attending a hard hat tour today at the Lowell Observatory - Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center in Flagstaff. This incredible new 40,000 sq ft discovery center is set to open on 11/16 and will feature the Lowell Universe Theater, Richard Caris Dark Sky Planetarium, and a universally accessible exhibition space.

A huge thank you to Monica Brown, Gwen Groth, Tammy Howell, Jennifer Perry, Allan Villanueva, and Brenda Moons for representing ACF at this amazing sneak peek! We can't wait to see this $54 million project come to life

We are proud to support the Phoenix Indian Center as they host their 41st Annual Silver & Turquoise Ball on October 18. This year’s theme, "Elevating Indigeneity – Community, Culture & Commerce," will bring our communities together for an evening of cultural experiences, auctions, and a special Indigenous-inspired dinner by Chef Nella.

We are especially excited to celebrate Jacob Moore, Arizona Community Foundation Board Member and a tireless advocate for American Indian students, as he receives the prestigious Leon Grant Spirit of the Community Award. Jacob, a citizen of the Tohono O’odham Nation, serves as Vice President and Special Advisor on American Indian Affairs at Arizona State University. His work focuses on increasing recruitment, retention, and graduation rates for American Indian and Indigenous students. With extensive experience in tribal government, economic and community development, healthcare policy, and education, Jacob's contributions have a lasting impact on our community.

At today's Housing and Water Policy Summit, hosted by the ASU Morrison Institute for Public Policy, leaders from the housing, power, and water sectors gathered to address some of Arizona's most pressing challenges. The summit kicked off with welcome remarks from ACF Board Member and Morrison Institute Board Chair, Jacob Moore, setting the stage for a day of impactful discussions on how to ensure a high quality of life for all Arizonans in the future.

ACF President & CEO Anna Maria Chávez participated in the Arizona's Future: Envisioning Smart Growth panel, emphasizing the crucial role of philanthropy.

“Philanthropy must invest in holistic solutions for affordable housing in Arizona that consider our state’s diverse population and future demographic growth. By supporting comprehensive strategies that address the needs of all communities, we can ensure that every Arizonan has access to safe, affordable housing and build a more equitable future for everyone,” remarked Anna Maria.

ACF is proud to be part of this important conversation and to support efforts that benefit our entire state. Together, we can make a lasting impact!

Our hearts are heavy with sorrow as we mourn the passing, Ebonee Flack Sifuentes, Co-Chair of the Black Philanthropy Initiative. Ebonee was a remarkable philanthropist, community leader, and advocate who dedicated her life to supporting the Black community.

Just a day before her passing, Ebonee delivered an unforgettable speech at the BPI Membership Mixer, passionately emphasizing the importance of building and sustaining Black-led organizations. When the Phoenix Business Journal 40 Under 40 award recipient turned 40 in March, she threw a party and donated all the proceeds to BPI.

In her professional life, Ebonee served as a Field Supervision Director at Edward Jones, where she championed financial literacy, ownership, and investment. She was a driving force behind initiatives like the State of Black Arizona and the BPI Social Justice Project's SEE ME Program, which accelerates and sustains Black businesses. Her commitment to the community extended through her membership with the Maricopa County West Valley NAACP and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Phoenix Metropolitan Chapter.

Ebonee leaves behind her beloved children, Darius and Vincent Sifuentes, her siblings Desirae and James Flack, and her parents Robert and Christa Flack. Her loss is deeply felt by all who knew her, but her legacy of love and generosity will continue to inspire us all.

The Black Philanthropy Initiative (Black Philanthropy Arizona) at the Arizona Community Foundation kicked off Black Philanthropy Month in style this past Saturday with Afro-Futures of Giving! The event was held at Owynn's World of Adventure, the region's first Black-owned indoor theme park, where guests enjoyed cutting-edge virtual reality experiences, delicious food, and cocktails—all while elevating the importance of giving and equity.

We were thrilled to honor The Black Men’s Giving Circle, REAP, with the Excellence in Black Philanthropy Award, and to present Salt River Project, with the Unity Award for its commitment to community and philanthropy.

A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors who made this event possible: Salt River Project, Southwest Airlines, Edward Jones, Growth Partners Arizona, evolvedMD , Comfort Suites , Smiley Family Trust, Pilgrim Rest Foundation Trust, Stringley Family Trust, Compass/Dartez, LLC and Rachel Frazier Johnson Law. Your support helps us continue to uplift and empower our community!

On Tuesday, ACF President & CEO, Anna María Chávez, and General Counsel, Jake Schellinger, had the honor of meeting with Chairman Robert Miguel of the Ak-Chin Indian Community. During this meaningful exchange, they learned about the community's rich history and celebrated the remarkable achievements and progress made under Chairman Miguel's leadership.

At ACF, we are deeply committed to understanding and building stronger relationships with the 22 Tribal nations across Arizona. We look forward to continuing our work together in support of these vibrant and resilient communities.

The Arizona Community Foundation is on the lookout for talented individuals to join our team! Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment where your ideas can spark positive change? Then we want to hear from you!

Our Philanthropy for All (PFA) network of giving circles celebrates the rich racial and cultural diversity that defines our state, inspiring charitable giving opportunities that support and engage diverse communities in addressing relevant needs.

We are currently seeking a Development Advisor (DA) to lead all fundraising efforts for PFA initiatives. The DA will be responsible for:
- Growing the donor/member base
- Strengthening relationships with existing donors
- Renewing annual support
- Identifying prospects and securing new donors for individual funds and legacy gifts

With a deep understanding of the unique culture of each community, the DA will work in partnership with the Director of Development, key ACF staff, and each PFA leadership group to build annual and long-term strategies, goals, and development plans. The DA will also track and report on progress toward these goals, serving as a key connector between ACF’s Development & Donor Experience team and all other teams that are part of the larger Impact Team.

If you are ready to make a real impact and join a team dedicated to fostering positive change, apply now! https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=142115&clientkey=DCE97E2B4816AB8B808918006B82F762

Arizona Community Foundation’s President & CEO Anna María Chavéz and Phoenix Business Journal Editor-in-Chief Greg Barr opened the Nonprofit Business Summit Thursday, July 18 at the Heard Museum with a Fireside Chat. Speaking with nonprofit leaders from around the state, Anna María highlighted the ways ACF, as a nonprofit, has successfully attracted and retained top talent. She also shared ways ACF is engaging donors and connecting them with community nonprofit organizations to fuel Arizona’s growth in education, housing, and the environment.

We are thrilled to share that AZ BIG Media and AZRE magazines have announced their lists of the Most Influential Women in Arizona of 2024!

A huge congratulations to our very own Anna María Chávez, President & CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation, for being recognized among this esteemed group.

Read more about Anna María’s incredible contributions and leadership here:

Most Influential Women: Anna María Chávez, Arizona Community Foundation - AZ Big Media Az Business' Most Influential Women in Arizona of 2024 includes Anna María Chávez, president and CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation.

The Arizona Community Foundation has received a major three-year grant to support our Philanthropy for All initiative. This incredible support will help us create a more inclusive and impactful philanthropic community. Learn more about this amazing opportunity: https://www.azfoundation.org/news-events/news/acf-receives-major-three-year-grant-in-support-of-philanthropy-for-all/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social+Media&utm_campaign=07.10.24

Celebrate Black Philanthropy Month in August at Afro-Futures of Giving! The Black Philanthropy Initiative at the Arizona Community Foundation invites you to join us for an unforgettable evening as we elevate giving and equity during its annual celebration.

📅 Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Owynn's World of Adventure

Come experience the region's first Black-owned indoor theme park, cutting-edge virtual reality experiences, delicious food, and refreshing cocktails. It's an event you won't want to miss! Click the link below for more details and to RSVP. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

https://acf.cventevents.com/event/7f6598f0-09ce-4999-a55f-02f2daa2436b/summary

The Arizona Community Foundation welcomes Michelle Gayles as our first Chief Impact Officer! Michelle brings over 25 years of leadership in health and human services, and education sectors. She will be key in driving strategic initiatives and community impact statewide.

Before joining ACF, Michelle was the Chief Strategy Officer at Phoenix Union High School District, leading strategic planning and expanding the district’s school portfolio. She also worked as Vice President of Community Impact at Valley of the Sun United Way, focusing on initiatives for children, youth, and young adults across the state.

Learn more about Michelle and her role here:

Michelle Gayles joins ACF as Chief Impact Officer – Arizona Community Foundation ACF is proud to announce the appointment of Jacob "Jake" Schellinger as its first General Counsel, effective June 24.