Arizona’s Community Foundations: Partnering to Build a Better Arizona

In the heart of Arizona’s summer, leaders from the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) and the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona (CFSA) gathered for a day of collaboration, reflection, and planning. This meeting marked a significant step toward strengthening philanthropy across Arizona through shared learning and a commitment to achieving a more profound statewide impact.

The convening brought together staff and leadership from both organizations to explore the most pressing needs of our communities, identify partnership opportunities, and build relationships grounded in trust and shared purpose. The conversation centered on organizational strengths, regional challenges, and the long-term potential in collaboration to better serve Arizona’s diverse communities.

Community Foundations are uniquely positioned to bring together investment opportunities and wealth management with charitable giving. With experts who live and work in the community, each organization has decades of historical knowledge of the community’s needs. Grantmaking and scholarship experts at ACF and CFSA have established key relationships with nonprofits serving their communities, thought leaders, and industry experts who can help identify solutions to some of the biggest challenges. They routinely collaborate with other funding organizations and groups, corporate giving programs, and local and state officials who represent the communities to make the greatest impact through philanthropy.

“We are excited to work together and build on our teams’ passion and dedication for helping Arizona thrive,” says Anna María Chávez, President and CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation. “Each of our organizations has unique skills and strengths – our superpowers. By collaborating, and through the generosity of our donors, we can amplify our ability to help the communities we serve.”

“In a rapidly changing landscape, collaboration like this helps us stay grounded in our mission and focused on what matters most. By learning from one another and working in partnership, we can expand our impact and strengthen the fabric of philanthropy across the state,” says Jenny Flynn, President and CEO of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona.

There are many ways to support the important work of the Arizona Community Foundation and the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona. Whether you’re an individual, business, or nonprofit, your involvement can make a difference.

  • Donate: Contributions help fund grants, programs, and initiatives that strengthen communities across Arizona.
  • Partner: Nonprofits and community groups can explore partnership opportunities for grants and collaborative projects.
  • Volunteer: Both foundations welcome volunteers for events, committees, and outreach efforts.
  • Learn: Stay informed about community needs and philanthropic opportunities by subscribing to newsletters and attending public events.

To find out more or get involved, visit:

Community Foundations National Standards accredited, connected by geography, guided by purpose, and committed to Arizona, ACF and CFSA are building a stronger, more connected future for the communities we serve across the state.

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About the Arizona Community Foundation
Established in 1978, the Arizona Community Foundation is a statewide philanthropic organization dedicated to bringing donors together to build an Arizona where everyone can thrive. With six regional offices serving communities across Arizona, ACF is among the top 25 community foundations in the nation with more than $1.5 billion in trust and endowment assets and is certified under the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. Since inception, ACF has awarded more than $1.5 billion in grants, scholarships, and loans to nonprofit organizations, schools, tribal entities, and government agencies. More information is available at azfoundation.org.

About the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona
Since 1980, the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona (CFSA) has connected donors, nonprofits, and community partners to create a more vibrant and equitable Southern Arizona. By serving as a vital link between philanthropy and the community’s evolving needs, CFSA provides funding, training, and collaborative opportunities that drive meaningful change. As a National Standards-certified Community Foundation, CFSA empowers individuals, families, and businesses to make a lasting impact through trust-based philanthropy, nonprofit capacity-building, and community convenings. For more information, visit cfsaz.org.