Arizona Foundation for Women has been a leading voice of advocacy and a resource for women since its inception in 1995 and has provided millions of dollars to community nonprofit organizations. Each year, AFW awards grants to Arizona nonprofits that make a difference in the lives of women in the areas of safety, health, and economic empowerment.
In 2016, the AFW became a Supporting Organization of the Arizona Community Foundation. In those seven years, AFW has deepened its community impact and enhanced operating sustainability practices to substantiate their organizational readiness to become an independent nonprofit foundation effective July 1, 2023.
“As a Supporting Organization of ACF, AFW was able to focus on its mission and fundraising, while receiving management and administrative support to grow the organization,” said Mesha Davis, AFW Chief Executive Officer. “We are extremely grateful to ACF. Through this partnership, we are now strategically positioned to further advance the status of Arizona’s women through research, education, advocacy, and philanthropy.”
Under the Supporting Organization model, AFW maintained a nonprofit corporation separate from ACF in a parent-subsidiary relationship which allowed AFW to access operational support from ACF. With the support of ACF, AFW has flourished over the past seven years and expanded their critical engagement with women in our community. ACF is honored to have supported AFW and is committed to a successful launch of their independently operated foundation.
“I have been an advocate for women my whole career,” said Anna María Chávez, ACF President & CEO. “I am proud that ACF was positioned to support AFW’s growth into an organization that can continue to support women’s issues throughout Arizona.”
