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ASU Lodestar Center receives $500,000 grant from Public Allies; engaging 43 program participants in the 2014-2015 year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phoenix, Ariz. (June 9, 2014) – The ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation recently received a grant from Public Allies National Office (PANO) in the amount of $503,100 that allows its Public Allies Arizona (PAAZ) program to recruit and engage 43 new participants this coming year. Public Allies Arizona, about to begin its ninth year at Arizona State University, is an AmeriCorps national youth leadership organization that recruits, places and develops leadership skills in dedicated, service-minded individuals who engage in paid 10-month apprenticeships throughout local nonprofit partner organizations. Allies are diverse and passionate individuals interested in social change and making a positive impact in their community. In the 2014-2015 year, Allies will be specifically working at nonprofit organization that focus on: economic opportunity, healthy futures, and/or education.
"After nearly a decade of experience in operating one of the leading Public Allies affiliates in the United States we have learned what the key ingredient is to achieve impact," said Dr. Robert F. Ashcraft, executive director of the ASU Lodestar Center and professor of nonprofit studies in ASU’s School of Community Resources and Development. "The key is leadership development through talented, motivated and diverse individuals. Evidence shows clearly that our Public Allies model for leadership is the difference maker in assuring profound social impact through our nonprofit partners," he added.
In addition to the federal grant received, an additional $560,000 in local funding is contributed through PAAZ Partner Organizations – bringing the total investments this year to over $1 million in support of this leadership development program. As one of the largest Public Allies sites in the country, the impact on the local Phoenix metropolitan-area community through capacity-building programs such as Public Allies Arizona is profound.
"Allies have improved our relations with volunteers and donor groups, created new programs for those in need, and expanded the capacity of current programs. Allies continue to bring in a fresh perspective on how we can better accomplish our mission," said Max Goshert, a Public Ally alumnus and current Ally supervisor and volunteer coordinator for St. Vincent de Paul. "Allies have allowed us to accomplish so much, and we are excited to see what our partnership with the program can accomplish in the future," he added.
Over $4.2 million in external grant dollars have been awarded to the ASU Lodestar Center in support of Public Allies Arizona since the program's launch in 2006. When accounting for in-kind support as well as the funds contributed by the nonprofits to have an ally placed within their agencies, the total economic value of the program is more than $7.4 million over the past eight years.
"My experience with Public Allies has been comprised of a series of life-defining moments. From the thought-provoking conversations we have about race and privilege, to participating in numerous community service events, I've been impressed with the program's ability to dissect the socioeconomic issues that plague our communities," said Nancy Linh Le, a current first-year Public Ally and certification specialist for WBEC-West. "I also value the vast network of compassionate, motivated, and civic-minded individuals that I work with and serve," she added.
"Money, buildings, services, programs mean nothing unless they are tied into the people they are supposed to benefit. Allies are indispensable for being that front line, effective, relational link between those we serve and the services that exist. That is where the transformation takes place," said Jeffrey Bisgrove, a current Public Ally supervisor and executive director of Arizona Neighborhood Transformation.
For additional information regarding any of the ASU Lodestar Center’s programs, visit lodestar.asu.edu. If you have questions, please call 602.496.0500 or email nonprofit@asu.edu.
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ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation
The ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation is recognized as a national leader in undergraduate and graduate nonprofit education, research and technical assistance. The ASU Lodestar Center exists to enhance the quality of life in communities through the advancement of nonprofit leadership practices and provides knowledge and tools to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations, professionals, board members, donors and volunteers by offering a selection of capacity building workshops, conferences, classes, and programs. For more information, please visit: lodestar.asu.edu.
Public Allies Arizona
Public Allies Arizona, now in the middle of its eighth year at Arizona State University, is an AmeriCorps national youth leadership organization that places service-minded young people in apprenticeships in nonprofit organizations throughout the community. It identifies talented young adults from diverse backgrounds and advances their leadership through a 10-month program of full-time, paid apprenticeships in nonprofit organizations, leadership trainings, and team service projects. For more information, please visit: lodestar.asu.edu/leadership/publicalliesaz.
Media Contact:
Nicole Almond Anderson
(602) 496-0185
Nicole.AlmondAnderson@asu.edu