Past Program Highlights
AGF's educational and informal networking programs from 1999 to present are summarized and broadcast to the community each month in our "News & Notes" newsletter. Please click here for a link to our past issues and corresponding program summaries, or see below for summaries of our most recent programs.
AGF Members: Visit our Members Only section to view videos of all our past programs!
Click here to jump down to 2007 program summaries.
Click here to jump down to 2008 program summaries.
Click here to jump down to 2009 program summaries.
2010 PAST PROGRAMS
January 21 | Lessons Learned from Funder Collaboratives
Collaboration is a challenging undertaking and nonprofits and funders alike are generally reluctant to engage in such "unnatural acts" with out compelling incentives. However, the lessons learned from those organizations which do choose to collaborate suggest that the myriad of benefits of working together far outweigh the costs. Arizona funders are increasingly engaged in collaborative activities. Our January program highlighted the lessons learned from two local funder collaboratives. Click Here to review Lessons Learned from Funder Collaboratives
February 11 |
Small Family Foundation Affinity Group - Putting Family in Philanthropy - Social Venture Partners AZ held two sessions on February 11th with Foundation Source. Many donors establish a foundation to create a philanthropic legacy that extends into the next generation and beyond. Transferring the mantle of philanthropic stewardship presents many opportunities to donors - and challenges. Everyone learned how to approach key transitions points in their families and philanthropy. We discussed innovative ideas to leverage family talents and engage family more deeply in their foundations for greater impact, satisfaction and rewards.
February 17 |
AGF Corporate Funders Webinar: Measuring Community Involvement: How to Prove Your Worth - In this webinar we learned the highlights from the Center's Impact Measurement project which explored how corporations can effectively measure the business impact of their community involvement programs.
February 18 |
Improving Understanding of Nonprofit Financials -
AGF partnered with the Nonprofit Finance Fund to present two sessions: 8:30am-11:30am - Linking Money to Mission: a skill-building workshop that taught participants to read between the lines and comprehend the story behind the numbers. 11:30am-1:30pm - Funder Role in Ensuring Financially Stable Nonprofits: introduced a new framework for understanding philanthropic investments in nonprofits and highlighted strategies funders can use to enhance nonprofit sustainability.
2009 PAST PROGRAMS
January 22 | Greater Phoenix Forward
Greater Phoenix Forward is a report of the ASU College of Public Programs and the Morrison Institute for Public Policy that offers community and policy leaders and human services practitioners the latest data and new perspectives for understanding the Valley's human services infrastructure and a "big picture" of future needs. Debra Friedman, University Vice President and Dean of the ASU College of Public Programs, and Robert Ashcraft, Director of the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation, presented an overview of the report.
Click here to view a video of the program.
February 10 | Mission Related Investments: Toward a Broader Philanthropic ToolkitLuther Ragin, Jr. of The F. B. Heron Foundation spoke to AGF members about the strengthening field of mission related investing. He discussed the benefits and challenges in below market and market level investments as they relate to mission related investing. Thanks to
Arizona Community Foundation for sponsoring this program.
March 10 | The Effective Exit: Managing the End of a Funding RelationshipAttendees of this program participated in small group discussions to share their experiences and answer questions such as "Are there steps funders can take to ease the exit process?" and "Do you help grantees find new funding?" Each group reported out at the end of the session. In addition to the knowledge shared by all, the program provided an opportunity for networking and professional growth. Thanks to
The Arizona Republic for sponsoring this program.
April 1 | Using Cross-Sector Partnerships to Achieve Social InnovationThis program consisted of a webinar presented by the Donors Forum of South Florida and group discussion after the webinar. Kriss Deiglmeier, Executive Director of the Stanford Graduate School of Business' Center for Social Innovation, discussed social innovation in relation to cross-sector partnerships and gave examples. Attendees then discussed why and how cross-sector relationships between philanthropy, business and government can help achieve social innovation in Arizona.
April 23 | Youth Evaluative Learning Pilot ProgramThis program highlighted the Youth Evaluative Learning Pilot Program, an innovative program of Valley of the Sun United Way and Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust to help nonprofits gain the tools and knowledge to use data more effectively for improving operations and the quality of programs. Thanks to
Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust for sponsoring this program. (Video available at
Members Only site)
April 29 | U.S. - Mexico Border Philanthropy PartnershipThe Arizona Community Foundation and Arizona Grantmakers Forum partnered to present an informative program on the
U.S. - Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership, a nonprofit that focuses on philanthropy’s response and challenge in relation to border issues, and how all funders can use their influence and grant dollars to be a part of the solution. (Video available at
Members Only site)
May 28 | Phoenix Human Services Campus: A Unique CollaborationThis program provided a tour of the Human Services Campus serving the homeless in Phoenix. Representatives from collaborating nonprofits on the campus answered questions and discussed the challenges and opportunities that have made the collaboration a unique model for success. Thanks to
Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust for sponsoring this program. (Video available at
Members Only site)
May 29 | STEM Initiatives in ArizonaCorporate members were invited to share their experiences in funding STEM projects and hear from Darcy Renfro, Executive Director of STEMAZ, who provided background about what the Science Foundation of Arizona is doing to support education that "builds a highly skilled Arizona work-force as the foundation for the 21st century knowledge-based economy." (Video available at
Members Only site)
June 25 | Drowning in Paperwork, Distracted from PurposeThis session provided an opportunity for funders and nonprofits to learn more about the core principles and recommended practices outlined in the Project Streamline report "Drowning in Paperwork, Distracted from Purpose" and then to discuss in small groups, the challenges and opportunities for streamlining grantee application, monitoring and reporting requirements here in Arizona. Thanks to
SRP for sponsoring this program.
Click here to see a video of the program.
July 14 | AGF Summer SocialThis informal event provided AGF members with an opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new colleagues in an informal atmosphere. Robert Ashcraft, Director of the Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation, gave a brief update us on the latest developments at the Center. The session also provided attendees with the chance to ask questions and begin to dialogue on how to best work collectively to build the capacity of the social sector in Arizona. Thanks to
F2 Family Foundation for sponsoring this program.
August 27 | Building Nonprofit Capacity in Tough Economic TimesTwo experts from MissionWise shared their experiences working with funders and nonprofits across the country. The program, which was held at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, highlighted strategies and tools such as strong business plans, earned income strategies, and strategic partnerships that have proven effective in building nonprofit sustainability. Thanks to
APS for sponsoring this program. (Video available at
Members Only site)
September 22 | Using Corporate Resources and Expertise to Build Stronger NonprofitsThis program provided an overview of why capacity building is a good fit for corporate funders and the different approaches and models that can be applied based on varying budgets, staffing and strategic goals.
September 24 | AGF Reception for the CSF Annual ConferenceThe Conference of Southwest Foundations scheduled its Annual Conference in Scottsdale, and AGF extended a warm Arizona welcome to conference speakers and AGF members to attend a reception to meet and mingle with grantmaking colleagues from across the southwest. Thanks to
Rodel Charitable Foundation of Arizona for sponsoring this program.
September 29 | Education Funders Affinity Group MeetingKarla Phillips, the Governor's Chief Policy Advisor for Education, discussed the state budget and available federal funding for education and how it will affect the Governor's agenda for education in Arizona. Thanks to
JPMorgan Chase for sponsoring this program.
October 27 | 3rd Annual Art of Giving Luncheon - Multi-Generational Philanthropy
AGF hosted a conversation with noted author Nathan Dungan, an industry thought-leader on helping youth and adults link their money decisions to their values. His presentation helped participants discover new ways to talk and think about money among family members and between generations.
November 18 | Breakthroughs in Shared Measurement and Social Impact - Mark Kramer of FSG Social Impact Advisors reviewed three different innovations in shared measurement, including a) Shared measurement platforms; b) Comparative performance systems; and c) Adaptive learning systems. He also highlighted the eight common elements of success among the twenty systems that FSG studied. Thanks to The Flinn Foundation for sponsoring this program. (Video available at Members Only site)
December 2 | Young and Emerging Leaders Affinity Group Meeting - This was the inaugural meeting for the Young and Emerging Leaders Affinity Group. The group will focus on development and networking for young adults and those new to philanthropy who wish to develop leadership skills and gain knowledge about the world of philanthropy. At this meeting, the group discussed the expectations group members have for this affinity group.
December 15 | Education Funders Affinity Group Meeting - During this session attendees learned about the new Accio Education Fund, a "venture capital" type of charitable fund created by ACF and Helios to support the development and expansion of innovative education reform efforts for the benefit of Arizona students. Attendees met the leaders of both nonprofit organizations and learned more about what ACF and Helios hope to accomplish through this bold initiative. Thanks to JPMorgan Chase for sponsoring this program. (Video available at Members Only site)
December 17 | The Arizona We Want - AGF's brief Annual Meeting was followed by a review of the recent report "The Arizona We Want" by Dr. Lattie Coor of the Center for the Future of Arizona. During his presentation, Dr. Coor highlighted the results of the Gallup poll and provide examples of how individuals and organizations around the state are using the results to inform their own agendas. He also explored how funders may want to use the poll results to support their own efforts to improve the quality of life in Arizona. Thanks to McMiles Foundation for sponsoring this program. (Video available at Members Only site)
2008 PAST PROGRAMS
January 24 | Affordable Housing
Arizona Community Foundation, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation recently launched a project to begin to address the issue of affordable housing in Arizona. They’ve established a recoverable grant pool that provides predevelopment funding for affordable housing projects. At this program, three speakers discussed the initiative and answered questions about how to get involved. (Video available at Members Only site)
February 28 | Lessons Learned from Grantmaking Failures
This luncheon was an informal discussion among AGF members about their thoughts and feelings regarding grantmaking “failures”, what barriers tend to discourage the sharing of mistakes with colleagues and nonprofits, and the lessons they've learned from those grants that didn’t go as planned. Members discussed these issues in small groups.
March 27 | Essential Skills for Grantmakers
The Council of Southwest Foundations and Arizona Grantmakers Forum, along with grantmakers from across the Southwest, participated in this workshop designed for those new to the field of philanthropy or anyone wanting a refresher on the basics of grantmaking. Three different sessions were presented: Navigating Legal and Ethical Issues, Managing the Personal and Professional Challenges of Grantmaking (Lunch Session), and Making Sound Funding Recommendations. Click here to see the agenda, and contact us to get the materials from the day.
April 24 | Sustainability in Arizona
The Morrison Institute and ASU's Global Institute of Sustainability recently published a new report, Sustainability for Arizona: The Issue of Our Age, which describes sustainability as a defining issue and organizing principle for the 21st century. At this program, Nancy Welch (co-author of the report) shared insights on critical questions about sustainability. She suggested to funders what their role might be in ensuring a sustainable future for Arizona. Shannon Scutari from the Governor's Office also reviewed the Governor's current initiatives around sustainability.
May 15 | Aging in America: Marc Freedman
Marc Freedman, president of Civic Ventures, gave an engaging presentation to a group of both funders and nonprofit representatives. Marc discussed how to ensure a positive future for Arizona by creating an "encore economy" with older adults. Marc defined a new stage of life that is taking shape in our society - a post-work, pre-elderly time during which baby boomers are engaging in meaningful work in the community. Click here to view more details as well as a full video of the presentation. (Video available at Members Only site)
June 26 | Impact of Recession on Arizona's Nonprofits
A panel of four nonprofit community leaders discussed the current economic state of nonprofit organizations in Arizona. Panel members included Patricia Lewis, ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation; Patrick McWhorter, Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits; Dana Naimark, Children's Action Alliance; and Brian Spicker, Valley of the Sun United Way. The program began with Brian Spicker and Dana Naimark, presenting statistics and other data informing participants of how nonprofits are faring in today's economic climate. The full panel then discussed the particulars of this phenomenon in more detail, including what funders can do to offset these negative economic impacts. Besides simply increasing funding (not always realistic), a few of the ideas suggested include encouraging advocacy among nonprofits, as well as encouraging and funding collaborations. (Video available at Members Only site)
July 24 | AGF Summer Social
AGF members joined their colleagues for a fun evening of networking and socializing! This informal event was an opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new colleagues in a relaxing atmosphere. Attendees were invited to discuss exit strategies, learning from each other the challenges and best practices related to phasing out funding from a grantee.
August 21 | Meaningful Metrics for Measuring Impact
Grantmakers, especially those committed to addressing the root causes of social problems, struggle with the question: "how do we know if our charitable giving has a positive impact?" The Annie E. Casey Foundation, one of the largest foundations in the U.S., has been grappling with this question for a number of years. They have developed a results-oriented framework which they use to evaluate the impact of their various grantmaking programs. This program provided the opportunity to join with colleagues in Flagstaff to hear how one national funder has tackled the question of how to measure grant impact. (Video available at Members Only site)
September 25 | Reviewing Nonprofit Financials
Rob Leslie, Senior VP and Director of Nonprofit Services for First National Bank of Arizona, discussed what funders should look for when reviewing nonprofit financial documents. The program included a discussion of the new 990 requirements. (Video available at Members Only site)
October 31 | Native American Philanthropy
It is clear that Native American philanthropy is becoming an increasingly significant part of Arizona’s philanthropic landscape. Non-Natives and Natives alike have much to gain from better understanding their respective traditions and approaches to charitable giving. Panel speakers included: Joy Persall, Executive Director, Native Americans in Philanthropy; Sheila Morago, Executive Director, Arizona Indian Gaming Association; and Barbara Poley, Executive Director, The Hopi Foundation. (Video available at Members Only site)
November 20 | Governance/Administrative Best Practices
Nonprofits and Foundations are under increased scrutiny these days from Congress, the I.R.S., state and local officials, the media and even members of the general public. The common threat running through all of this scrutiny are concerns regarding organizational accountability and transparency. As a result, nonprofit leaders wishing to avoid I.R.S. attention should be striving to implement “best practices” throughout their organizations. Guest Speaker: Ellis Carter of Fennemore Craig, P.C. Click here to view more details as well as a full video of the presentation.
December 11 | Enduring Practices of Effective Philanthropy/Emerging Principles for Uncertain Economic Times
Hugh Burroughs, President of Independent Philanthropic Advisors spoke about philanthropic principles that have stood the test of time and the principles that will influence philanthropy in the uncertain times ahead. (Video available at Members Only site)
2007 PAST PROGRAMS
January 25 | Funding Faith Based Initiatives
This program provided Arizona grantmakers with a better understanding of the role that faith based charities play in the delivery of social services in Arizona. Panel members included John S. Hall, Professor, Public Affairs and Public Service, ASU, Wayne Tormala, Community Initiatives and Faith Based Initiatives Coordinator, City of Phoenix, and Jannah Scott, Governor's Office, Policy Advisor, Faith and Community Initiatives
February 22 | Funding Youth Civic Engagement Programs
This was an informal session which allowed funders to discuss existing youth civic engagement programs, using materials supplied by various agencies. AGF invited nonprofits with youth civic engagement programs to submit a brief overview of their program based on a template supplied by AGF. Group facilitators were grantmakers who have funded the program being discussed, and they explained what they saw as the strengths/weaknesses of the program. Other group participants were invited to share their own thoughts and all the comments were compiled and shared with the agency after the program.
March 22 | Utilizing Baby Boomers
This program involved a discussion of how the nonprofit sector can maximize the potential represented by Baby Boomers who will be undertaking major life changes in the next 20 years. ACF also reported out on the initial results of their Community Experience Partnership Grant from Atlantic Philanthropies.
April 25 | Family/Small Foundation Roundtable
AGF has established the Family/Small Foundation Network for grantmaking organizations with few or no staff. The Network is designed to allow for discussion of sector-wide issues with particular focus on practices unique to smaller grantmaking organizations, especially family foundations. AGF Members and other Arizona grantmaking organizations are welcome to participate.
At the inaugural meeting we asked participants to share brief profiles of their organizations, help further define logistics of the Network, brainstorm topics of interest, and focus on one or two key issues to begin a dialogue. Thanks to Tom Chauncey for his generous underwriting to launch this network.
April 26 | Strengths and Weaknesses of the Darwinian Approach to Funding Nonprofits
An informal discussion of what funders feel is their role in supporting mature nonprofits that may no longer be effective. Why do some funders decide to stop funding an agency when it seems to have outlived its purpose while others seem to continue to fund them?
May 24 | Investing in our Communities: Strategies for Immigrant Integration
A representative from Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR) joined us to talk about their new toolkit.
June 28 | Evaluation: Philanthropy's Dirty Little Secret
An informal session provided funders with an opportunity to share their approaches to evaluation and what data they collect and review.
July 20 | The story of Philomath Oregon (Flagstaff)
The video explores the role of a philanthropic organization in influencing public policy in a small town as well as a case study of succession, governance, donor intent, racial and sexual discrimination, environmental education.
September 20 | Capital Campaign Focus Group
This program provided an opportunity to discuss with other funders what they see as the primary challenges related to funding capital campaigns in Maricopa County. The group explored ways funders can collectively support the nonprofit sector when implementing such campaigns.
September 25 | Family & Small Foundations Network Meeting
This network, designed for grantmaking organizations with few or no staff, allows for discussion of sector-wide issues with particular focus on practices unique to smaller grantmaking organizations - especially family foundations. This was the second meeting of the group, and topics discussed included board management and grantee evaluation.
September 26 | Valley Contributors Network
Promoting Your Company's Good Works Without Seeming Self-Serving. Lawrence Moore, Ph.D., Director of Communications and Public Affairs with Motorola, led a discussion on effectively promoting your company's community service activities.
October 4 | Grantmaking Governance, and More
What the New IRS Wants From Your Organization. Grace Allison, VP of Northern Trust, Inc., reviewed IRS practices and policies that are critically important to funders.
October 25 | Nonprofit Consolidation
Opportunities and Challenges in Arizona. This program included local leaders who have either been involved in nonprofit mergers or have studied the impact of this movement, who shared their ideas on the strengths and weaknesses of nonprofit consolidation.
October 31 | Teaching Children the Art of Giving
A conversation with noted author Susan Crites Price. The event provided participants with information to help adults teach children - from toddlers to teens - how to use their time, talent, and money to help others.
November 15 | Report on State of Education in Arizona
ACF and the Ellis Center have commissioned research on the state of Arizona's educational system. The results of this report were presented.
December 13 | Brave New World: American Philanthropy Comes of Age
Susan Raymond, Ph.D., discussed the emerging phenomenon of "philanthropreneurs" - young billionaires who have reaped the benefits of capitalism and believe it can be applied to philanthropic ventures. Dr. Raymond talked about innovative approaches to grantmaking as manifest by the Google Foundation and others, which involves a combination of traditional grantmaking and for-profit structures to accomplish certain goals.