Arizona’s leading nonprofit and philanthropic associations are merging with the goal of having a larger impact within the community.
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After nearly two years of discussions, the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and Arizona Grantmakers Forum are expected to finalize their merger by August. The Phoenix-based groups will integrate in phases during the next 12 months.
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The Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits provides education for charities statewide through professional development workshops and resources. Similarly, Arizona Grantmakers Forum works with funders, corporations and investors within the philanthropic sector.rn
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The organizations work together to advocate and create public policies for the nonprofit sector. Several members serve on both boards for the organizations. The Arizona Grantmakersrn Forum board voted unanimously in favor of merging earlier this month. The Alliance board will vote in July.rn
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The groups’ highest profile joint project is the annual Arizona Gives Day, which raisedmore than $6 million for 900-plus nonprofitsrn statewide during this year’s spring drive.
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“We are two-sides of the same coin,” said Grantmakers CEO Laurie Liles
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The merged organization will collaborate on community challenges. At the top of the list: affordable housing, access to food and growing social services and programs.
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Alliance CEO Kristen Merrifield said the merger is “a very strategic opportunity and a tool to be used to create something even greater.”
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Robert Ashcraft, executive director of ASU’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation, deemed the merger “promising.”
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“There is always a power dynamic between those who provide the funds and the organizations that need funds,” Ashcraft said. “This is what makes this merger unique. It levels the playing field.”rnrn
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Grantmakers board members will become members of the Alliance board and all employees will remain on staff. Merrifield will be CEO of the combined organization, and Liles will step into a new role as chief public policy officer and vice president of Arizona Grantmakers.rn rn