In the business world, we often talk about the “self-made” success story. We celebrate the entrepreneur who started in a garage and built an empire. But if you look closer at any thriving local business, you will find a web of support behind them. No one succeeds in a vacuum. Partnerships and community are not only helpful; they are the reason local businesses survive during tough times.
For a business, joining a community provides a safety net. It offers a place to share ideas, find mentors and stay ahead of new rules. A pulse of your industry. For the nonprofit and grantmaking sector in Arizona, AZ Impact for Good serves that role. We are the association that makes sure the people doing good in our state have the tools they need to stay strong.
The Only Bridge of Its Kind
What makes AZ Impact for Good unique is who sits at our table. We are the only organization in Arizona that brings together both nonprofits and grantmakers as full members.
Usually, these two groups operate in different circles. Grantmakers have the resources and nonprofits have the boots on the ground. By connecting them in one space, we remove the walls that often slow progress. We act as the premiere organization to link those who want to give with those who are ready to act. This partnership ensures that every dollar and every hour spent on mission-driven work goes exactly where it can do the most good.
Validating the Work: Why We Exist
To our board, our business partners and our members, our existence is based on one truth: We are stronger when we work together. A single nonprofit might have a great idea, but without the right connections or training, that idea might never reach its full potential.
We exist to provide and support that potential. As seen on our Member Benefits page, we offer more than a directory. We provide advocacy at the state capitol and communication with federal government experts, group buying programs that save nonprofits money on daily costs, peer groups, conferences, and professional training that keeps staff sharp. These are the practical, daily wins that keep our community’s “safety net” from tearing.
Advocacy in Action: The Impact of SB 1496
Our strength is most visible when we stand together to influence policy. We keep our members informed on laws that affect their ability to serve at the state and federal level, while advocating for civic education, voting accessibility and conversations with legislators. We were also a driving force behind the passage of AZ SB1496, legislation that changes the rules for the Charitable tax credits.
This law is a huge win for our community. It expands the types of services that qualify for the tax credit to include behavioral health, workforce development, housing services and more. Plus, it allows “umbrella” organizations (like grantmakers) to direct funds to partner charities more easily. This change helps nonprofits attract more donors and ensures that grantmakers can support a wider range of essential needs. It is a clear example of how our collective voice protects the interests of everyone involved in giving.
Expertise in Gathering the Sector
Our history of hosting successful events shows our deep expertise in bringing people together. We hold programs like “Legacy in Action: Legal Protection for Business” and specialized sessions like “Safeguarding Your Nonprofit: Strategies for Unemployment & HR.” These events provide the targeted knowledge our membership needs to thrive.
The jewel in our crown is the UNITE Conference + Transform Arizona. This is the largest gathering of nonprofits and grantmakers in the state. It is a two-day event filled with inspiration and practical sessions.
At UNITE, executive directors rub elbows with major foundation leaders. Program staff learn from marketing experts. This conference is where the most important partnerships in Arizona are born. It is a space where a simple introduction can lead to a million-dollar initiative that changes lives across the state.
Practical Savings for Every Member
We know that every dollar a nonprofit saves is a dollar it can spend on its mission. To support this, we offer extensive Member Savings programs. Through our affinity partnerships, members gain exclusive discounts on essential services.
These include:
- Operations & Technology: Savings on credit card processing, payroll services and IT solutions.
- Human Resources: Discounted background checks and help with Public Student Loan Forgiveness planning.
- Insurance: Better rates on dental, vision, and director and officer (D&O) insurance.
- Fundraising Tools: Access to our Arizona Guide to Grants Online and discounts on grant writing courses.
These programs allow our members to use the same high-quality tools as large corporations while keeping their budgets lean.
A Detailed Look at Our Programs
If you look at the AZ Impact for Good calendar, you will see a constant stream of activity. We do not meet once a year; we provide ongoing support.
Our programs include:
- Educational Workshops: We cover everything from using data to managing a team in a changing economy.
- Public Policy Updates: We keep our members informed on laws that affect their ability to serve.
- Networking Mixers: These events are where magic happens. A conversation over coffee between a local business owner and a nonprofit director can often lead to a partnership that lasts for years.
- Peer Groups: Bringing together you and your peers to discuss and tackle the issues affecting you and the sector. You are an expert in your field, so let’s partner you with other people in your field to become stronger and better able to succeed.
These events are designed to be efficient and useful. We know your time is valuable, so we focus on providing advice you can use right away.
Creating a Thriving Ecosystem
Associations are great for businesses because they provide a sense of belonging and a collective voice. AZ Impact for Good does this for the entire social sector. When a business partners with us, it is not just supporting one cause; it is supporting the entire system that keeps Arizona healthy, educated and vibrant.
Our grantmaker members benefit from this, too. They get a detailed look at the real needs of our community, helping them make smarter decisions with their funds. By being part of our network, they find vetted, high-performing nonprofits that are ready to partner.
Join the Partnership
Whether you are a nonprofit leader, a philanthropist or a business owner looking to align your values with your work, you belong here. You do not have to navigate the challenges of our state alone.
Arizona’s future depends on the strength of our connections. By joining AZ Impact for Good, you become part of a professional network dedicated to shared success. Together, we can ensure that every organization in Arizona has the partnership it needs to thrive.
Let’s build something better, together. Visit www.azimpactforgood.org to see how you can get involved.
