The African American Legacy Fund (AALF), an initiative of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona (CFSA), is thrilled to announce that unrestricted funding totaling $50,000 was granted to six local organizations. AALF is also proud to share that grants have shifted to a two-year funding cycle, with organizations receiving the same level of funding in 2024. Since 2013, our generous donors have made it possible for AALF to invest over $325,000 to support organizations serving African American communities in Southern Arizona.
AALF was founded in 2013 by esteemed educator, philanthropist, and civic leader Dr. Anna Jolivet, Ph.D. AALF works to improve the quality of life for African Americans who live in Southern Arizona through strengthening relationships and fostering collaboration among community members, donors, and organizations serving the African American community, enhancing the capacity of organizations that are working to improve the African American community, encouraging greater giving from and to the African American community, and funding innovative, collaborative programs that improve the quality of life for Southern Arizonans of African heritage.
AALF 2023 Grantees
- African American Museum of Southern Arizona (University of Arizona)
- Books for Classrooms
- (Grant made possible with support from Tucson Electric Power)
- Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships, Inc.
- Dunbar Coalition, Inc.
- Hattie B. Black Women in Progress
- Tucson Educational Empowerment for Minorities (TEEM)
- (Grant made possible with support from Joe Bourne Music, Art, and Entertainment)
Dr. Laila Hishaw, Founder of Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships, shared, “Receiving this generous grant from the African American Legacy Fund will allow us to unlock the potential of so many students who never considered a career in dentistry. Through mentorship and hands-on programming, we will continue strengthening the diversity pathway from middle school to dental school of African American and other students underrepresented in healthcare.”
“Receiving the African American Legacy Fund Grant is a significant milestone for our organization. It means our work and mission to empower girls, particularly those from Black communities. This grant provides us with financial support to promote self-confidence, leadership, and personal growth among girls and young women, and it enables us to expand our impact and reach more girls in need,” shared Acacia Barnett, Founder of Hattie B. Black Women in Progress (BWIP). “Thank you for giving a small, rural, Black organization like ours a chance. We look forward to continuing our work to empower Black girls and build a stronger community.”
CFSA is grateful to continue our partnership with the Connie Hillman Family Foundation, which will contribute one hundred dollars for every two hundred dollars of support the African American Legacy Fund receives.
Please consider supporting the African American Legacy Fund today!