May 1, 2025
Just as the Sonoran Desert teaches us to endure and adapt, the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona (CFSA) remains steadfast in our commitment to serve our community. We are actively tracking recent executive orders and closely monitoring their timeline and potential impact. In this ever-changing environment, we remain grounded in our values, committed to following the law, and conducting the due diligence needed to seek clarity and ensure compliance.
CFSA carefully reviews all grant recommendations to ensure the recipient organization is a qualified charity under IRS regulations and that the purpose of the grant is charitable in nature. We verify the 501(c)(3) status of all organizations at the time of grantmaking to maintain compliance and uphold our fiduciary responsibility. We encourage you to stay informed. The National Council of Nonprofits is maintaining up-to-date resources, including a helpful Myth vs. Reality document that offers clarity.
Did you know that many nonprofits partially support their missions through earned revenue, for example from ticket sales, services, and merch? May is graduation season, so consider investing some of any dollars you plan to spend celebrating the graduates in your life and help out a nonprofit at the same time. Depending on the age of your graduate, some of my favorites include:
United Nations Center & Gift Shop on Speedway for jewelry and textiles and supporting children in need around the world.
Children’s Museum Tucson and Oro Valley for gifts for an actual or inner child.
Southern Arizona Animal Food Bank Artisan Gallery for the art & animal lover grads.
The Shops at Tohono Chul for a curated collection of art, plants, books, gifts, and souvenirs inspired by the beauty of Tucson and the Sonoran Desert.
Ben’s Bells for unique handmade gifts that share the message of kindness including officially trademarked University of Arizona ornaments for our Wildcat graduates.
Although earned revenue is a bright spot for many nonprofits, rarely can they support their missions on merchandise alone. Just like the saguaro thrives when given room to grow, nonprofits do their best work when given the flexibility to respond to what their community needs most. As we navigate this evolving landscape together, we want to remind you that the best way to support nonprofits is through unrestricted funding at any amount you can afford. These gifts offer vital adaptability and sustainability to organizations working tirelessly to serve Southern Arizona.
Together We Bloom,
Jenny Flynn
President & CEO
Community Foundation for Southern Arizona