Arizona Community Foundation

As August comes to a close, we’re looking back with gratitude on the Black Philanthropy Initiative’s 2026 Black Philanthropy Month Celebration. It was a powerful evening of community, connection, and reflection, bringing together BPI members, community partners, members of other Arizona Community Foundation giving circles, and supporters from across the Valley at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center. We were especially honored to welcome Dr. Karen McNeil-Miller, President and CEO of The Colorado Health Foundation, whose keynote reminded us of the collective power we have to strengthen our communities when we work together. We were also grateful to have author and communications strategist @C.A. Prallieau join us as part of an evening centered on the many voices helping move Black philanthropy forward. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center for helping make the celebration so meaningful. We look forward to continuing the momentum, and we hope you’ll join us for BPI’s Let’s Make History Together Gala on Friday, February 26, 2027. Many Voices. One Movement.

On August 21, ACF of Yavapai County hosted its annual Joy of Giving event, celebrating the recipients of the 2026 Yavapai County Grant Cycle. The gathering brought together nonprofit leaders, local businesses, community partners, and individuals who are making a meaningful impact throughout Yavapai County. Joy of Giving is a celebration of more than grants. It reflects the power of local philanthropy, strong partnerships, and the people working every day to build stronger communities. Congratulations to this year’s grant recipients, and thank you to everyone helping move Yavapai County forward.

On August 18, the ACF welcomed our nonprofit fundholders for an afternoon of learning, connection, and conversation about the evolving landscape of modern philanthropy. Featured speaker Dien Yuen, Founder and CEO of Daylight, guided attendees through Daylight’s nine components of a philanthropic plan, a framework designed to help advisors and nonprofit professionals connect donor resources with their values and desired impact. Through a collaborative case study, we explored opportunities for stronger donor engagement, family involvement, strategic giving, and partnership across the philanthropic ecosystem. Nonprofit professionals play an essential role in helping generosity translate into meaningful community impact. We’re grateful to our nonprofit fundholders for the work they do every day and for joining us in continuing to strengthen philanthropy across Arizona.

Thanks to Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue for welcoming our team and giving us a closer look at the care, compassion, and commitment behind your work. We’re grateful for opportunities like this to spend time with nonprofit partners, learn firsthand about the needs they’re addressing, and strengthen the relationships that help Arizona communities thrive. And, of course, a little puppy time didn’t hurt. Great to have Aden Ramirez, MNLM, Ben Thomas, Janay Poole, MBA, Erin Green, Samantha Pinkley, MPA, and Natasha Allen, MPA representing ACF during the visit. Thanks for having us, Almost There Rescue!

Northern Arizona was the perfect way to close out our regional road trip. On Thursday, the ACF Marketing team headed north to Sedona, capturing some of Arizona’s most recognizable landscapes, including Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Cathedral Rock, and Oak Creek Canyon. From red rock country, we continued into Prescott for the night. Friday started early at Watson Lake and the Granite Dells, where our photographers and videographer captured the landscape in the morning light. From there, we headed into downtown Prescott for the historic Courthouse Plaza, Whiskey Row, and the architecture and character that make Yavapai County distinctive. Throughout the week, our goal was simple. Build a stronger visual library that reflects the many different places and communities ACF serves across Arizona. From desert landscapes to red rocks, rivers, mountains, and historic downtowns, we covered a lot of ground. You’ll see more from the trip in upcoming ACF content, events, and storytelling.

Proud to serve as a Platinum Sponsor of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns Conference and to be recognized today. A big thank you to Arizona Public Service - APS for hosting a wonderful dinner last night and bringing together public officials from across Arizona for great conversation and connection. Events like these are a reminder of how much stronger our communities become when leaders come together to share ideas, build relationships, and learn from one another. It was great to see ACF Board Members Dr. Michele Halyard, MD, FASTRO and Bettina Nava engaging with attendees, alongside members of our ACF team who were on hand throughout the conference. Thank you to everyone who took the time to connect. We’re looking forward to continuing these important conversations and strengthening partnerships across Arizona. #LeagueOfArizonaCitiesAndTowns #Arizona #CommunityLeadership #PublicService #ACF

The ACF Marketing team is on the road. We kicked off our statewide travels in Yuma, where we stopped by the ACF of Yuma office to meet new Regional Director Lisa Ball and spend time with the local team. We also had the chance to sit down with longtime philanthropist Russ Jones and his family to hear more about their connection to Yuma, their approach to giving, and the legacy they continue to build in the community. From there we captured the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge and the landscapes that make this part of Arizona so distinctive before heading to Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and then south to Tucson for sweeping views at Gates Pass. And we weren’t just sightseeing. We brought along our photographers and videographer to help us build a stronger visual library of the places, landscapes, and people that make Arizona home. You’ll see some of what they captured show up in upcoming ACF content, events, and storytelling throughout the year. Two days, hundreds of miles, and a whole lot of Arizona. Next up: Northern Arizona.

Congratulations to ACF’s Joan Serviss on being selected to the 2026 Flinn-Brown Fellowship cohort! Joan joins 23 other leaders from across Arizona for this year’s Flinn-Brown Academy, bringing together professionals committed to public service and strengthening communities across the state. We’re proud to see Joan representing ACF and look forward to the perspective, relationships, and ideas she’ll bring back to our work and communities across Arizona.

Congratulations to Christy and Daryl Burton on being recognized as Grantmakers of the Year at the 2026 UNITE Conference + Transform Arizona, AZ Impact for Good’s annual gathering of nonprofit and philanthropic leaders from across the state. As founders of the Burton Family Foundation, an ACF supporting organization, Christy and Daryl have helped direct generosity toward education, youth programs, and organizations meeting the most urgent needs of Arizona families. Congratulations, Christy and Daryl! Arizona is stronger for your leadership and commitment to our communities. #ArizonaCommunityFoundation #ArizonaPhilanthropy #UNITE2026 #TransformArizona