One of our strategic initiatives at the Alliance is to strengthen the connection, collaboration and coalescence of the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Having previously served the small-business community in my role at the Arizona Small Business Association, I understand the importance of these connections in so many aspects. We have begun to expand our programs and outreach to the business community since I joined the Alliance in 2015, and we have been intrigued at the opportunities that are beginning to take shape.
One of the ways we help connect the sectors is through targeted board governance training, specifically aimed at business professionals who have yet to begin board service, or for those of us who were “voluntold” to join a board as part of our job responsibilities. We know that setting both the business professional and the nonprofit up for success starts with making sure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. We do this through our half- and full-day Business on Board training offered throughout the year.
Another way we are strengthening the critical connection of businesses to nonprofits is through Arizona Gives Day. On April 4, we hosted our fifth annual Arizona Gives Day, and we did specific outreach to our business partners. We gave them ways that their company and employees could support local nonprofits through employee giving, day-of promotions in their stores, and through their social media channels.
Finally, we are also helping make connections to businesses and consultants who are interested in serving and supporting our nonprofits through our Resources for Good Directory. This professional listing is housed on our website, and it’s the first place we point nonprofits who are in need of specific resources like legal, financial or fundraising help, to name just a few.
We understand that each sector has a critical role to play in making Arizona a place we are proud to call “home.” Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to unite, strengthen and advance our Arizona nonprofit sector.
Kristen Merrifield, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits
