Spacer
ASU Lodestar Center

Newsroom

Abstract art photo, featuring warm colors.

ASU Lodestar Center receives over $1 million in support of Public Allies Arizona, engaging 46 program participants in the 2018-2019 year

Phoenix, Ariz. (August 20, 2018) – The Arizona State University Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation recently received a $538,200 grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service through the Public Allies National Office that will allow its Public Allies Arizona program to recruit and engage 46 new participants this program year, beginning in September.

With an additional investment of approximately $517,500 obtained as required in local matching dollars, a total of $1,055,700 has been committed for the 2018-2019 academic year to support this signature leadership development program.

Public Allies Arizona, entering its 13th year at Arizona State University, is an AmeriCorps program that places dedicated, service-minded young individuals in paid 10-month apprenticeships at local nonprofit partner organizations. During the program, they develop leadership skills, gain professional experience, and make lasting connections in the community and with their cohort. Allies are diverse and passionate individuals interested in social change and making a positive impact in their community.

Over $6 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 the value of in-kind support, as well as funds invested by the nonprofits to have an Ally placed within their agencies, the total financial investment is more than $12 million.

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.

“Public Allies Arizona is in the forefront of a national network, developing leaders who are representative of the communities in which citizens live, raise their families, work and play,” said Dr. Robert F. Ashcraft, executive director of the ASU Lodestar Center and Saguaro Professor of Civic Enterprise in ASU’s College of Public Service and Community Solutions. “Our Allies are advancing community solutions by leading through human capital that is every bit as important as financial capital to improve society for all,” Ashcraft added.

"We are delighted with news of the award as we proceed to launch our 13th cohort," said Terry Marks, director of Public Allies Arizona. "Further, nearly 400 deserving young leaders in metropolitan Phoenix have benefited from this funding, and in return, they have generated over 650,000 hours in service to our communities."

The 2017-18 Allies, who graduated in June, collectively served over 46,200 hours and implemented nine community service projects, impacting hundreds of individuals. For their service with Public Allies, the class earned $140,000 in Segal Education Awards that can be used towards college or professional development courses.

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. 

###

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 https://lodestar.asu.edu.

Public Allies Arizona

Public Allies Arizona, now beginning its 13th 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 https://lodestar.asu.edu/pa.