When students from ASU Preparatory Academy cross North 7th Street and walk into APS’s downtown Phoenix headquarters, they’re taking their first steps into the professional world, and APS employees are there to guide the way. Through a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, high school juniors and seniors from the school are matched one-to-one with … [More]
One-Stop-Shop for Connecting to Nonprofits
The Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits is excited to unveil its brand-new website and online nonprofit community! Our goal was to create an online platform that would allow the nonprofit sector to connect with each other, but to also promote opportunities for meaningful interaction with the business community and general public. You can now visit the Alliance website at … [More]
Your Business and Arizona Gives Day
Arizona is home to more than 20,000 nonprofits providing services we rely on every day. Our nonprofits create safe places to learn, live and fulfill dreams. They enrich our lives through arts and culture, and protect our natural wonders, cultural heritage and human dignity. In order to strengthen and sustain Arizona’s nonprofit community, Arizona Gives Day, a statewide … [More]
Working with Nonprofits
Carol Farabee CEO Farabee Publishing Helping others defines who you are. I have worked with nonprofits for the past 15 years as a leader, volunteer and board member. We can use the knowledge we have and step outside ourselves to give to others. The rewards are great, and the connections you make are solid and substantial for your business. You set the standard of … [More]
Arizona Nonprofits: Economic Power, Positive Impact
In order to successfully run their organizations, nonprofit professionals must also be savvy business professionals. Many Arizonans assume that most nonprofits rely entirely on philanthropic contributions, while, in fact, more than 72 percent of nonprofit income is, actually, earned revenue. Nonprofits often generate earned revenue through activities related to their mission, … [More]
Shark Tanks and Cat Drawings
A favorite pastime at our house is watching the popular television show “Shark Tank,” where real-life entrepreneurs have the opportunity to receive investments from billionaire investors, called “The Sharks.” At first our two boys, aged 12 and 13, were bored to tears and begged us to switch back to their adored anime cartoons. However, over time, they started getting into the … [More]
Why Nonprofit Boards Should Prioritize Generational Diversity
Today’s emerging workforce is the largest and most diverse in American history. According to The Millennial Impact Project, it numbers nearly 80 million strong, and will account for 50 percent of the workforce by 2020, less than four years from now. Despite their position as an emerging economic and social force, young professionals are not proportionally represented on … [More]
On The Board and In The Spotlight
What drew you to this organization? I came to the Alliance via my board work for the Arts & Business Council — having transitioned one of its programs, Business On Board, to the Alliance, I was invited to serve on the board. It’s one of our programs that I think has tremendous potential for growth. What would you say is one of the biggest challenges for a businessperson … [More]
Nonprofits and Elections Are Intertwined
In the middle of this noisy election season, I ask the question: What is the connection between elections and nonprofits? The answer, in short: They are intertwined. This may surprise many of you, so let me explain. First, I will explain what I don’t mean. You may have heard a lot about “dark money.” This is spending to influence elections that is not channeled directly … [More]
The Nonprofit/For-Profit Connection
On the first day of school the small girl walked to her teacher, one of her tiny shoes in hand. She held it out to the teacher, who gave a puzzled look. “I need to borrow a pencil, please,” the girl said. Former teacher Barbara Blalock learned that the last school the little girl attended had so few resources students had to trade something for supplies, until the supplies … [More]
Overtime Overview: New Rules Take Effect this December
After more than a decade without change, the U.S. Department of Labor has introduced new regulations governing exemptions from overtime pay. The regulations apply to the enforcement of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The changes are effective December 1, 2016, for most covered organizations. Employees in exempt jobs are not eligible for overtime pay. Non-exempt positions … [More]
Working with Nonprofits
Catherine M. Valenzuela President – East Valley, Arizona Business Bank Arizona Business Bank recently assembled most of the agencies that serve Maricopa County’s children in foster care for a roundtable discussion on how we can work together to spread the word about the recent tax law changes regarding charitable donations to these organizations. It was gratifying to sit … [More]
Arizona Nonprofits: Economic Power, Positive Impact
A recent statewide study examined the economic impact of Arizona’s nonprofit sector, the results of which were published in a report titled “Arizona Nonprofits: Economic Power, Positive Impact”. In the May 2016 issue of In Business Magazine, we reported on the direct financial impact of more than $22 billion the nonprofit sector has on the state economy. So how many people … [More]
Finding Common Ground For Greater Impact
I know what you’re thinking: “Why is there a nonprofit section in a ‘business’ magazine?” But my hope is that it will become increasingly clear as you navigate through this inaugural section where our goal is to strengthen the critical connection between the for-profit and nonprofit sectors in Arizona. Let’s explore together how we can create strong, meaningful and strategic … [More]
Finding the Right Fit as a Board Member
Josiah happily served for six years as a board member of a social profit organization focused on homeless youth, the maximum allowed by the board’s term limit. He thought about transitioning to a volunteer direct-service role, but realized he truly enjoyed governance. He approached another social profit organization with a mission close to his heart and expressed interest in … [More]
On The Board and In The Spotlight: Profile on Nonprofit Board Member Samantha Hagan
How long have you served on this board? May 2016 will be 6 years What drew you to this organization? A client told me about Gabriel’s Angels and their CEO Pam Gaber, so I reached out to meet her for coffee. At the time I was looking to join a local board; I wanted to find the right fit for me and believe in the mission of the organization. Once I met Pam and heard … [More]
Fact or Fiction: Nonprofit Myth-Busters
Debunking myths about nonprofits is probably one of my favorite parts of this job. There is so much misinformation being shared (and believed) by not only nonprofits themselves, but also the community at large. As citizens, board members, volunteers and donors, it is important that you are as informed and knowledgeable as possible on a few of the major misconceptions … [More]
The Nonprofit/For-Profit Connection: Experience Matters and Intel
He built his career in programming, and he did it well; working as part of a global team, Jim contributed to the initial development and testing of next-generation cable modems. But what really made his heart sing was music. After 26 years with Intel, the company offered him a unique early retirement opportunity. Through a partnership with the nonprofit Experience Matters, … [More]
