Past Program Highlights
AGF's educational and informal networking programs 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.
Prior Years
Click here to jump down to 2011 program summaries.
Click here to jump down to 2010 program summaries.
2012 PAST PROGRAMS
February 1, 2012 | 5:00pm - 6:30pm | Professional Development Group - Meet and Greet Evening Social
We held our kick-off Meet and Greet Evening Social at Padre's Modern Mexican. We met new peers, enjoyed some appetizers, drinks, and had some great conversations.
The Professional Development Group is an Arizona Grantmakers Forum affinity group open to any AGF Member who may benefit from knowledge exchange and new peer connections offered by our programs.
What we do:
Advance philanthropic professionals by fostering development, sharing perspectives and providing educational and networking opportunities.
Who should be involved:
Those who aspire to be leaders of a more collaborative, intergenerational philanthropic community, working to ensure a vibrant future for Arizona.
This program is only open to AGF Member Organizations!
January 26, 2012 | 11:30am - 1:30pm | Examining Shared Measurement Efforts in Arizona
An increasing number of innovative organizations are beginning to use shared web-based systems for reporting the performance, measuring the outcomes, and coordinating the efforts of hundreds or even thousands of local enterprises within a field. According to FSG Social Impact advisors, "these nascent efforts carry implications well beyond performance measurement, foreshadowing the possibility of profound changes in the vision and effectiveness of the entire nonprofit sector."
In Arizona, several shared measurement efforts have been initiated in the past several years and this program will provide funders with an opportunity to learn more about both the opportunities and challenges of these innovative models.
Specifically, this program highlighted two current projects:
AZ Cultural Data Project -a powerful online management tool designed to strengthen arts and cultural organizations around the country. Arts and cultural organizations enter financial, programmatic and operational data into a standardized online form and can then use the CDP to produce a variety of reports designed to help increase management capacity, identify strengths and challenges and inform decision-making. They can also generate reports to be included as part of the application processes to participating grantmakers. Grantmakers participating in this project can access the data of the arts/culture organizations that submit their information and select from over 77 forms that match their needs. For the grantseekers this significantly reduces redundancy and developing different data for each funding source. The Arizona CDP was launched in 2011 and over 180 arts & cultural organizations have already enrolled.
Project Sam - a collaborative effort involving the Arizona Community Foundation in partnership with the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, the Corporation for National & Community Service and FSG Social Impact Consultants. The purpose of the program is to deploy a shared performance impact system for small- and mid-size nonprofit organizations engaged in providing financial education and empowerment services to economically distressed communities. Launched early in 2011, the program involves a cohort of 15 nonprofits who have committed to a two-year process to develop and deploy a shared evaluation system for measuring their impact and leveraging these data for program development, fundraising and measurement of social return on investment.
We also had a chance to hear lessons learned from the Youth Evaluative Learning Project which was a joint shared-measurement project of the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust and Valley of the Sun United Way to provide technology to eight after-school agencies in Maricopa County completed in 2010.
Panel Members:
Shelley Cohn, consultant to Flinn Foundation & Lora Gordon, Pew Charitable Trust
Sally Clifford, Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits & Tony Banegas, Arizona Community Foundation
Catherine Jahnes, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
Special thanks to the F2 Family Foundation for sponsoring this program!
January 17, 2012 | 8:30am - 2:00pm | Creating Communities for People of All Ages:
"Is Arizona a good place to live, work and grow older
- for you, your parents, grandparents and children?"
- Grantmakers In Aging Affinity Group Meeting
AGF members and a diverse group of community stakeholders took a close look at the future of our communities, and, what it will take for Arizona leaders to take a proactive, collaborative approach to building communities that work for all.
Why we're talking about this issue now…
° Within 20 years, 1 in every 5 Americans will be 65 or over and living longer than ever before in our history.
° Older Americans want to stay in their own homes, remain active, independent and civically connected to their communities.
° When residents can age in place, everybody benefits from the housing, transportation, healthcare, cultural, safety and engagement improvements.
° Elders contribute economically to communities and offer volunteer services at a rate greater than any other age group.
Education and Dialogue: Morning Session...
Keynote speaker Phil Stafford, author of "Elderburbia: Aging with a Sense of Place in America," addressed how to use a comprehensive community development perspective to create communities that support seniors' aging in place while addressing needs of people of other ages.
A panel of funders and project directors discussed creative multigenerational community solutions in Arizona. Featured communities included Communities for All Ages, Ajo, Arizona, and The ELDER Initiative, Communities through the Wisdom of All Ages, Tucson, Arizona.
Stakeholders' Planning: Afternoon Session 2...
This was a working session including fast-paced discussions that examined why Arizona needs more communities that work for people of all ages, who will benefit, and how their lives will be different. We discussed: How do we productively engage multiple statewide partners in creating multigenerational communities in Arizona as better places to live, raise families and grow old?
January 12, 2012 | 11:30am - 1:30pm | Education Funders Affinity Group Meeting
Highlighting the Metropolitan Education Commission (MEC) of Tucson
At the Education Funders meeting in October, we learned about Arizona based applicants applying for a variety of federal grants and promised to reconvene the group if any Arizona applicants were selected, to educate funders about matching grant needs.
We are pleased to announce that one Arizona organization, the Metropolitan Education Commission (MEC), was awarded a four-year Investing in Education grant for their Wisdom Project. It is a high school completion and college readiness initiative that will serve the middle school and high school students of the Indian Oasis – Baboquivari Unified School district located on the Tohono O’odham Nation in southern Arizona. This application received the highest score of all the winning projects nationwide.
At this session, we had a chance to hear from June Webb-Vignery, Ph.D., Executive Director of MEC and their grantwriter
Martha Lee, talk about their proposal and describe matching grant needs.
At this meeting we also learned more about Arizona’s involvement with the Campaign for Grade Level Reading. Helios Education Foundation, Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) and Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust are collaborating with numerous cities and organizations across Arizona who have all joined this campaign. This national, 10-year initiative is focused on moving the needle on reading proficiency and making early reading an urgent priority.
2011 PAST PROGRAMS
December 15, 2011 | 11:30am - 1:30pm | AGF's Annual Meeting
Most of us recognize that the U.S. and in fact the entire world, is in the midst of a major transition. Philanthropy is no exception. No one knows for certain how things will all shake out in the end, but some people have the gift of foresight, or at least take pleasure in speculating about what the future may bring. Roger Hughes is one of these special people.
Having played a leadership role in the Arizona philanthropic community for the past 16 years, Roger offered us his insights on the changes that have occurred during his tenure. He also shared his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities our sector may face in the coming years. Since Roger may soon be moving back to Iowa, this was one of the last opportunities we had to appreciate his wit and wisdom.
Special thanks to the Salt River Project for sponsoring this program.
December 8, 2011 | 11:30am - 1:30pm | Corporate Funders Affinity Group Meeting
Southwest Gas generously hosted this Corporate Funders session. We held an informal session where members had a chance to compare notes with peers on any burning issues they had.
Special thanks to Southwest Gas for hosting this quarter's Corporate Funders affinity group meeting!
December 1, 2011 | 7:00am - 9:00am | Philanthropy Professionals Rising Affinity Group Meeting
We met to continue our discussion of the future direction of the PPR affinity group. We have created a vision and mission statement for the group and have changed our name. We are now the Professional Development Group.
Stay tuned for more details.
October 12, 2011 | 11:30am - 1:30pm | Small/Family Foundation Affinity Group Roundtable
This informal discussion group allows staff from small foundations and family foundations to connect with peers to discuss topics and issues relevant to their grantmaking.
Thanks to the Chauncey Family Foundation for sponsoring this affinity group!
October 6, 2011 | 11:30am - 1:30pm | Leveraging Match Opportunities from Each Other and the Federal Government
This meeting was led by the new Co-Chairs of the Education Funders Affinity Group for the Arizona Grantmakers Forum – Jim Pitofsky, Chief Strategy Officer at the Arizona Community Foundation and Barbara Ryan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Helios Education Foundation.
Members joined the Arizona Grantmakers Forum Education Funders Affinity Group as we discussed and explored match opportunities presented by other foundations and by the Race to the Top federal grant matching opportunities in the State of Arizona.
The discussion highlighted Arizona based applicants and possible matching opportunities for the following funding pools:
° Investing in Innovation (i3)
° Early Learning Challenge
° Promise Neighborhoods
In addition, we discussed other match opportunities our foundations are offering and/or aware of.
James H. Shelton III, Assistant Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Improvement for the U.S. Department of Education joined via teleconference for part of the meeting.
September 22, 2011 | 4:30pm - 7:30pm | Saving Philanthropy: Resources to Results
Saving Philanthropy: Resources to Results is a one hour documentary film exploring the strategies associated with effective philanthropy and high-performing organizations. Specifically, the film asks the question, "What if social service organizations were funded based on their performance, or their ability to manage to outcomes?"
The film speaks to non-profit directors and funders who value outcomes but are struggling with how to define and measure them. The film is designed to offer a clear, straightforward framework for implementing a managing to outcomes strategy. Saving Philanthropy contends that a non-profit organization operating without a clear strategy for managing to outcomes is akin to a ship at sea sailing without a charted course, yet hoping to miraculously reach its destination.
Kate Robinson, Film Producer, joined AGF's members to facilitate a discussion about the making of the film and the key messages the film was designed to convey.
Kate Robinson is the Founder and Director of FSP Creative Advocacy. A skilled facilitator, strategist, and advocate, Kate has worked in the non-profit sector for over a decade specializing in coalition building for public policy development and implementation. She is the former Director of Strategic Initiatives for Social Solutions Global, Inc. where she led a national advisory board of high-performing non-profit organizations that conducted extensive research on organizational effectiveness and assessment strategies. She is also the former Executive Director of Consumer Health Coalition where she coordinated a state-wide campaign to increase the effectiveness of Pennsylvania Medicaid programs. Kate is a candidate for a Masters of Fine Arts at Towson University.
http://www.savingphilanthropy.org/
September 21, 2011 | 8:30am - 12:00pm | Elders Living on the Edge: Where Does Arizona Stand on Elder Economic Security?
AGF members and their peers in grantmaking met to take a close look at one of the most critical issues our society must face, and what it means for Arizona leaders and funders moving forward.
September 14, 2011 | 7:30am - 9:00am | Philanthropy Professionals Rising (PPR) Affinity Group Roundtable - What's Next for PPR?
The Philanthropy Professionals Rising Affinity Group met on Wednesday, September 14 from 7:30am - 9:00am to discuss the future direction of the PPR group. We started to set the new strategic direction of the group.
We are looking for interested AGF members who would like to participate on the Steering committee to help us establish a mission statement and continue to develop the direction of this affinity group.
September 8, 2011 | 11:30am - 1:30pm | Rural Funders Affinity Group Meeting: AZRDC Rural Policy Forum Debrief and Next Steps
AGF members and other Arizona funders discussed the AZRDC Rural Policy Forum experience and the next steps for working together to fund rural Arizona.
On August 12, about 150 rural nonprofits employees met with several grantmakers to discuss their nonproft and project ideas. This is a new format that AZRDC decided to implement this year, and based on evaluation results and direct feedback was a great success.
As funders, we needed to come together to debrief on our experiences, discuss some of the innovative ideas we heard at the conference and determine our next steps.
Special thanks to Freeport McMoRan for sponsoring the Rural Funders Affinity Group and hosting the meeting!!!
August 9, 2011 | 11:30am - 1:30pm | Corporate Funders Affinity Group Roundtable
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona hosted this Corporate Funders session where we held an informal discussion about topics including online grant application software.
Special thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona for hosting this quarter's Corporate Funders affinity group meeting!
July 28, 2011 | 9:30am - 11:30am | Place Based Philanthropy - Successful Examples in Arizona
Place-based strategic philanthropy is a relatively new and still evolving model that is attractive to corporate, community, and private foundations. The approach is based on the assumption that by focusing on particular places, foundations are often able to more closely align their strategic intent with measureable outcomes. In other words, a place-based model is an attractive approach for foundations that are particularly interested in maximizing the total value of their gifts.
This program highlighted two place-based efforts in Arizona:
° The Neighborhood Development Collaborative (NDC) involves a group of six funders who have come together to coordinate their investment strategies in a south Phoenix neighborhood (Central City South) so that the collective impact of their activity will be greater than sum of the parts.
° South Tucson Revitalization Project involves a collaboration of more than seven community organizations, funded in part by the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona, to strengthen, expand, connect, and integrate community assets to create a neighborhood of choice within the City of South Tucson.
There was also an optional tour of the Hope VI Community Center and surrounding neighborhood
Panel Members:
Tony Banegas, Arizona Community Foundation
Teresa Brice, LISC Phoenix
Evan Mendelson, Community Foundation for Southern Arizona
Cree Zischke, JP Morgan Chase
Thanks to the Arizona Republic for sponsoring this program!
July 13, 2011 | 11:30am - 1:30pm | Small/Family Foundation Roundtable
This informal discussion group allowed staff from small foundations and family foundations to connect with peers to discuss topics and issues relevant to their grantmaking.
Thanks to the Chauncey Family Foundation for sponsoring this affinity group!
July 13, 2011 | 5:30pm - 7:00pm | Philanthropy Professionals Rising (PPR) Affinity Group Evening Networking Event
The PPR Affinity Group gathered on Wednesday, July 13 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm for an evening get together. We enjoyed some appetizers, drinks, and great conversation.
June 14, 2011 | 2:30pm - 4:30pm | Rural Funders Affinity Group Meeting
The AGF Rural Funders affinity group was recently formed to explore ways to increase philanthropic investment in rural nonprofits and to strengthen rural nonprofits. We hope you will get involved.
Help us get this affinity group off the ground so we can have a stronger impact in our rural communities!
Special thanks to Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold Inc. for hosting and sponsoring the Rural Funders affinity group!
June 8, 2011 | Education Funders Affinity Group Meeting - Expect More Arizona Update
Arizona's long-term prosperity depends on a high quality education system. Yet, we continue to be challenged with the need to raise student achievement, graduation rates and postsecondary completion. All this comes on top of several consecutive years of reduced funding for K-12 and higher education. Now more than ever, education needs to become a shared priority across our state. During this session, particiapnts learned how the current economic and political environment is affecting education and long-term student success. The session also provided an opportunity to learn about Expect More Arizona's plans to raise expectations, and ultimately increase student success, by engaging parents, students, educators, businesses and citizens in making education their personal priority.
Presenter:
Nicole Magnuson, Executive Director of Expect More Arizona
June 7, 2011 | Day in the Life of a Program Director
Ever wonder what a Program Director does on a daily basis?
The Philanthropy Professionals Rising affinity group had a walk-through of the decision-making process regarding grant applications. We learned what to look for in a strong proposal and questions to ask a potential grantee.
Presenter:
Antonia Franco
Vice President and Program Director
Transition Years- Arizona, Student Family & Community Initiatives
May 26, 2011 | Building the Evaluative Capacity of Grantees
Presented by Grantmakers for Effective Organizations and Arizona Grantmakers Forum
In partnership with Innovation Network
As a part of its Scaling What Works initiative, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO) sponsored a series of workshops for grantmakers that want to support grantees in their efforts to increase social impact.
Innovation Network, a national evaluation expert, delivered a skill-building workshop on May 26, in which grantmakers learned more about evaluation capacity building.
May 11, 2011 | Corporate Funders Affinity Group
SRP generously hosted the latest Corporate Funders session on 5/11/2011. We met at their corporate offices and held an informal session where members had the opportunity to compare notes with peers on any burning issues they had.
Special thanks to Salt River Project for hosting this Corporate Funders affinity group meeting!
April 13, 2011 | Small/Family Foundations Affinity Group Meeting
This informal discussion group allowed staff from small foundations and family foundations to connect with peers to discuss topics and issues relevant to their grantmaking.
Thanks to the Chauncey Family Foundation for sponsoring this affinity group!
April 11, 2011 | Grantmakers In Aging Affinity Group Meeting
Engaging Older Adults as Untapped Resources
A Program for Private, Public and Government Funders in Arizona
An Innovative Model for Education Reform
First in the Series of Educational Forums for Funders Entitled:
“Creating Arizona as a Great Place to Grow Older”
The first of 78 million boomers turn 65 this year. While the staggering economic costs of this demographic wave dominate the headlines, innovators and national leaders like Marc Freedman see boomers in a totally different light – as an aging cohort in their “encore” stage of life. He believes that this group brings incredible skills and assets as they seek to give back to the society they helped to create.
Speakers:
Marc Freedman, founder of Civic Ventures, on his new book:
The Big Shift: Navigating the New Stage Beyond Midlife
Carol Kratz, Program Director, on Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust’s work:
The Boomer Solution: Skilled Talent to Meet Nonprofit Needs
Guest Panel of Nonprofit Leaders:
Success in the Trenches: Using Older Adults to Expand Organizational Capacity
Nora Hannah, Chief Consortium Officer of Experience Matters, Phoenix, AZ, on opportunities right at hand:
Expanded Opportunities for Funders to Support Connecting People to Social Purpose:
*The AGF EngAGEment Initiative is a two-year effort designed to build grantmaker interest and momentum around aging issues and ultimately to increase funder investments in this area. The initiative is supported by Grantmakers in Aging, Arizona Community Foundation, BHHS Legacy Foundation, St. Luke’s Health Initiatives, and Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.
March 9, 2011 | Education Funders Affinity Group Meeting
An Innovative Model for Education Reform
The Ellis Center for Educational Excellence is focused on comprehensive, district-wide, long-term K-12 education reform in Arizona. Its approach is holistic and integrative, emphasizing both internal structural change at the classroom and administrative level as well as linkages with early education and high school.
Currently it is engaged in a partnership with Phoenix-based Creighton School District and WestEd (a noted policy research, training and technical assistance organization) to enhance both student achievement and district capacity for sustainable improvement in all phases of district operations. Already data show significant improvement in school labeling under Arizona Learns. Students' gains in reading proficiency, for example, suggest the real potential for applying new classroom-level teaching strategies and techniques in addition to stimulating leadership among principals and district-level management. In the future an experimental evaluation design will help determine whether the Creighton intervention has lasting effect on high school performance, graduation and post-secondary success.
Special thanks to Chase for sponsoring the Education Funders affinity group!
March 4, 2011 | ASU Lodestar Center's 13th Annual Forum on Nonprofit Effectiveness
Nonprofit Grantees & Funders: Building Strong Relationships - Assuring Community Impact
Arizona Grantmakers Forum collaborated with the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation on their 13th Annual Forum on Nonprofit Effectiveness. Several AGF members were involved in planning the agenda. This year the focus was "Nonprofit Grantees & Funders: Building Strong Relationships - Assuring Community Impact."
February 24, 2011 | Arizona’s Budget Challenges and Implications for Nonprofits
It is not news that Arizona is facing perhaps the most severe budget crunch in its history. According to the most recent estimates released by the Arizona Joint Legislative Budget Committee, the 2010/2011-budget shortfall could be $530 million and the 2011/2012-budget shortfall could be close to $975 million. While these estimates are a slight improvement over earlier figures, they still represent a giant gap that needs to be addressed. And it’s clear that many of the proposed budget cuts will have a negative impact on nonprofits, already struggling to survive.
ASU’s Morrison Institute for Public Policy has been tracking the Arizona budget process and will be presenting some of the key findings on ArizonaIndicators.org*. During this session, they provided an overview of the Arizona economy, summarized legislative responses to the budget shortfalls, and highlighted the projected impacts on state agencies like the Department of Education, Economic Security, and Department of Health Services. They then outlined the implications of these proposed cuts on Arizona’s nonprofits. Patrick McWhortor, CEO of The Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits then provided a brief report on the results of its recently completed survey on the financial circumstances of its nonprofit members. Ed Portnoy, Director of Grants Programs for the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust in Arizona, also provided a brief overview of the Homelessness and Hunger Funders Collaborative.
Special thanks to the F2 Family Foundation for sponsoring this program.
February 23, 2011 | Philanthropy Professionals Rising Affinity Group Meeting
The Philanthropy Professionals Rising Affinity Group met with Sarah Finecey, Executive Director of the Coyotes Charities on Wednesday, February 23. The group had great discussions about areas of interest.
February 16, 2011 | Rural Funders Affinity Group Meeting
The AGF Rural Funders affinity group was recently formed to explore ways to increase philanthropic investment in rural nonprofits and to strengthen rural nonprofits. As an initial step, the affinity group is partnering with the Arizona Rural Development Council to launch the Arizona Rural Policy Forum - Linking Rural Communities with Grantmakers. The goals are to help create and grow relationships among Arizona nonprofit organizations, foundations and funding organizations to help strengthen relationships among local nonprofit organizations; to reinforce collaboration and partnership; and to allow our local nonprofit organizations an opportunity to improve their own capacity to produce positive change in our communities.
Thanks to Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold, Inc. for sponsoring this affinity group!
February 9, 2011 | Corporate Funders Affinity Group Meeting - Social Media
APS hosted this Corporate Funders session. Kevin Langbaum, APS's Social Media Consultant, presented on how companies like APS use and plan on using social media.
Special thanks to APS for hosting this Corporate Funders affinity group meeting!
January 12, 2011 | Small/Family Foundation Affinity Group Meeting
This informal discussion group allowed staff from small foundations and family foundations to connect with peers to discuss topics and issues relevant to their grantmaking.
Thanks to the Chauncey Family Foundation for sponsoring this affinity group!
2010 PAST PROGRAMS
December 16, 2010 | Annual Meeting - Civil Society, Philanthropy and the Fate of the Commons
One of the greatest challenges facing democracy in the twenty-first century is that of sustaining a healthy civil society, which depends on managing the tension between individual and collective interests. Many historians see the loss of the civil society as a major reason for the fall of the Roman Empire. Acknowledging the notably nasty tone of recent election cycles and the apparent unwillingness of elected officials to work together to solve the serious problems facing this nation, it seems fair to say that civil society in the U.S. is at risk.
In his talk, Bruce Sievers, author of Civil Society, Philanthropy, and the Fate of the Commons, shared what he sees as the major components of a civil society and highlighted what he thinks is missing in modern society. Drawing upon his years spent working in the philanthropic sector; Sievers discussed how philanthropic foundations can play a more effective role in promoting civil society. He explained why he feels that modern philanthropy is going in the wrong direction, focusing too much on narrow goals rather than working to strengthen the fundamental platform required to achieve public good - civil society.
Special thanks to the Flinn Foundation for sponsoring this session.
December 15, 2010 | Philanthropy Professionals Rising Affinity Group - Networking Event
The Philanthropy Professionals Rising Affinity group met at Paradise Bakery and Cafe and held an informal discussion regarding philanthropy. We shared ideas, observations and experiences with our peers.
December 8, 2010 | Education Funder Affinity Group
Now that the elections are behind us and First Things First (FTF) survived the ballot initiative to sweep their funds, we thought this would be a good time to learn more about the organization and their plans to improve early childhood education in Arizona. We explored the lessons learned from their recent public education and advocacy efforts, and what challenges they anticipate in the coming year as state budget battles ensue.
Rhian Evans Allvin, Executive Director shared her experiences over the past year as CEO of First Things First and Nadine Basha, founder and board member joined us and provided further insight.
November 18, 2010 | Supporting Community Engagement - Influencing Public Policy
As drivers of innovation and positive social change, foundations are increasingly using advocacy -- and supporting their grantees' policy efforts -- to advance their goals and increase their impact. Some, like the Ohio based Needmor Fund, now focus their grantmaking exclusively on community organizing activities across the country. In Arizona, a few foundations like St. Luke’s Health Initiatives have invested in public policy and advocacy efforts for years, while others like Arizona Community Foundation and Flinn Foundation have recently launched public policy initiatives. The McMiles Foundation, a relatively new, small, local, family foundation has chosen to support advocacy through education.
Many foundations, however, find the IRS rules regarding funding advocacy to be confusing and choose not to engage in that arena, potentially limiting their efforts to achieve real social change. This program provided funders with an understanding of the significant benefits of investing in community engagement and public policy as well as greater clarity about the legal constraints that apply to public and private funders.
November 10, 2010 | Corporate Funders Affinity Group Roundtable
Special thanks to PetSmart Charities for hosting this Corporate Funders affinity group meeting!
November 3, 2010 | 4th Annual "Art of Giving" Luncheon, The World Needs Your Kid - Raising Children Who Care and Contribute
ARIZONA GRANTMAKERS FORUM was proud to host a conversation with Craig Kielburger, the young, dynamic founder of Free the Children, the world’s leading youth-driven charity. His presentation included lessons on nurturing families to care about the world around them. Comments and evaluations confirmed the presentation renewed the faith of attendees in the capacity of young people to address global problems and inspired participants to get involved, as well as pass on that inspiration and action to others.
October 21, 2010 | Professional Development Roundtable: What Opportunities Are Out There?
The Philanthropy Professionals Rising Affinity Group discussed professional development opportunities for philanthropic and nonprofit professionals.
October 20, 2010 | Small/Family Foundation Roundtable
This informal discussion group allowed staff from small foundations and family foundations to connect with peers to discuss topics and issues relevant to their grantmaking.
October 13, 2010 | Philanthropy Awareness Initiative (PAI)
Research conducted by PAI suggests that philanthropy faces an awareness deficit among even the most engaged citizens. Only four in ten can name a foundation. Only one in ten can identify a foundation’s impact on an issue they care about. We’d expect those on the frontlines of community improvement to know something about foundations that exist to support their work. Most do not.
When our economy was booming, few worried that the public didn’t understand the important role of foundations. In fact many foundations considered it a misuse of funds to advertise their good works. However, in our current economic climate, governments are seeking under every proverbial “rock” for new revenues. Some view foundations with their billions of dollars in assets, as an appealing potential income source. It is essential that foundations make a concerted effort to increase public understanding of the important role they play in building/sustaining our social fabric.
During this session, the presenters shared more of PAI’s findings, and then explored what individual foundations across the country are doing and can do to increase public awareness and understanding of philanthropy. One focus was on the unique role that trustees can play as foundation ambassadors. They also addressed what foundations can do collectively to generate meaningful dialogue between grantmakers and leaders in the public and private sector.
September 30, 2010 | The State of Latino Philanthropy in Arizona - Open to Nonprofits
While Hispanics have long supported informal charitable activities, they have not had a strong tradition of systematic or formal charitable giving. Currently, Hispanics represent 30% (2 million) of Arizona’s population, ranking Arizona fifth in the US in total number of Hispanics.
The program on September 30 provided a report on the Hispanics in Philanthropy Funder’s Collaborative project in Arizona as well as exciting new philanthropic entities that have evolved from this three-year endeavor. This includes the development of the Latinos Unidos Fund and Latina Giving Circle at the Arizona Community Foundation. The program was open to nonprofits and funders.
September 29, 2010 | Philanthropy Professionals Rising - Informal Networking Event
The Philanthropy Professionals Rising affinity group met over coffee for an informal discussion about burning topics. We also had the great pleasure of working with Lew Riggs of the Tucson Osteopathic Medical Foundation. We had a great conversation and shared a lot of ideas.
September 23, 2010 | Rural Funders Affinity Group - Inaugural Meeting
Members and peers worked together to help us get this affinity group off the ground so we can have a stronger impact in our rural communities!
September 15, 2010 | Education Funders Affinity Group
This meeting was devoted to a discussion of scholarships. We've recently polled AGF members and have compiled a list of those who provide scholarships which we shared at the meeting. This session provided participants with an opportunity to learn more about the types of scholarships being offered (as well as gaps), the processes used to select recipients, and best practices for supporting scholarship recipients.
August 26, 2010 | FLAGSTAFF - Using Community Assessments as an Evaluation Tool
In the current economic-crisis, with state funding for human service programs continuously being cut, it is more important than ever that all funders have accurate and compelling data to help decide how best to allocate scarce resources. First Things First (FTF) is a grantmaking organization that is committed to ongoing and rigorous analysis of qualitative and quantitative data to ensure desirable program outcomes. FTF shared its findings and evaluation process with those who attended.
August 11, 2010 | Corporate Funders Affinity Group Meeting
US Airways hosted the Corporate Funders session on 8/11/2010. We held an informal session where our members were able to share ideas and ask each other questions.
August 4, 2010 | Philanthropy Professionals Rising Networking Event
The Philanthropy Professionals Rising Affinity group met at Paradise Bakery and Cafe to discuss intergenerational cooperation in the workplace and in regards to philanthropy. We shared ideas and observations about the unique traits of Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers.
July 22, 2010 | Summer Evening Social at The Vig Uptown
We gathered for an enjoyable evening of networking and socializing on July 22. This informal event was an opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new colleagues in one of the hippest new dining venues in Central Phoenix, The Vig Uptown.
We featured several of Arizona’s newest foundation CEO’s, including:
° Clint Maibe, CEO Community Foundation of Southern Arizona
° Rhian Allvin, CEO, First Things First
° Brenda Thompson, Executive Director, Arizona Humanities Council
° Steve Seleznow, CEO, Arizona Community Foundation
July 15, 2010 | AGF's Small/Family Foundation Affinity Group
This was an informal discussion with Steve Selznow, President and CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation.
June 24, 2010 | Impact of Recession on Arts & Culture Organizations
Due to the severe economic downturn, the list of US cultural casualties is large and growing. By some estimates, one in 10 of the country's 100,000 arts organizations are in such financial straits they have been forced to make enormous cuts or consider closing. Stimulus funds have been directed toward the arts but the latest federal budget points to overall funding decline. During this program, we heard from leaders in the Arts & Culture community who provided more details about the challenges and changes their groups are facing and highlighted glimmers of hope that are beginning to emerge.
June 22, 2010 | Philanthropy Professionals Rising - Gaining from Our Fellow Grantmakers: Understanding the Different Types of Foundations
Philanthropy Professionals Rising affinity group met and discussed the differences between a private and public foundation. We also discussed how corporate philanthropy is unique. Our presenters included Ed Portnoy (Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust), Mary Thomson (BHHS Legacy Foundation), and Kelly Balthazor (US Airways)
June 9, 2010 | Education Funders Affinity Group
Kate Walsh, CEO of the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) will be discussing her organization's efforts to reform post-secondary teacher education in the U.S. NCTQ has launched a project, in partnership with US News and World Report, to rate each of the nation's 1,400 education schools relative to a set of standards which define high quality teacher preparation. A similar effort pursued a century ago resulted in the overhaul of medical training in the US.
June 9, 2010 | Philanthropy Professionals Rising Networking Event
An informal gathering of AGF's Philanthropy Professionals Rising (Formerly Young and Emerging Leaders).
May 27, 2010 | Permanent Supportive Housing, a Community Approach
Our panel discussed Permanent Supportive Housing and the reality of ending homelessness in Arizona.
May 12, 2010 | Corporate Funders Affinity Group
The Corporate Funders Affinity group met at the Cox corporate offices and held an informal session where members were able to connect with peers to discuss topics and issues relevant to their grantmaking.
April 22, 2010 | How Can Technology Improve Your Grantmaking?
During this program, we held an informal peer learning opportunity in which we explored various technologies including web browsers, wikis, customer relaationship management, GIS mapping, Facebook and Twitter.
April 7, 2010 | Small/Family Foundation Round Table
This informal discussion group allowed staff from small foundations and family foundations to connect with peers to discuss topics and issues relevant to their grantmaking.
April 6, 2010 | Young and Emerging Leaders Networking Event
An informal gathering of AGF's Young and Emerging Leaders took place at the Paradise Bakery and Cafe. Young and Emerging Leaders discussed their current projects/responsibilities, what they hope and plan to accomplish in the future, and shared ideas for the next formal event of the affinity group. The group also celebrated its new name: "Philanthropy Professionals Rising"
March 26, 2010 | Young and Emerging Leaders - Conversations with Our CEOs
AGF's Young and Emerging Leaders Affinity Group had Conversations with our CEOs. A panel of AGF member CEOs was available to answer questions and offer advice to the next generation of philanthropic leaders in Arizona. Members had the opportunity to learn best practices and gain advice from seasoned professionals in Arizona’s philanthropic sector.
The CEO Panel included:
° Patricia Miles, the McMiles Foundation
° Judy Mohraz, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
° Kevin Ruegg, Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education
° Steve Seleznow, The Arizona Community Foundation
March 25, 2010 | Funder Role in Mitigating Impact of Human Service Budget Cuts.
With tax revenue declining as a result of the recession and budget reserves largely drained, the vast majority of states are making spending cuts that hurt families and reduce necessary services. These cuts, in turn, will make the recession worse because families and businesses have less to spend in their local economies. Federal recovery act dollars greatly reduced the extent, severity, and economic impact of these cuts in 2009, but are an unlikely resource for 2010 and beyond.
March 18 | AGF Education Funders Meeting
This AGF Education Funders Meeting provided an update on Arizona's Race to the Top application, which was submitted in late January to the US Department of Education. Dr. Carol Peck, President and CEO of the Rodel Foundation of Arizona and Karla Phillips from the Governor's Office provided details about key elements of the State's application and highlighted potential next steps and the role that funders should take in supporting Arizona's application.
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.
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.
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.