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With financial commitment of $1.2 million, Public Allies Arizona engages 46 new Allies in 2020-21 year to build capacity at Arizona nonprofits
Public Allies Arizona launches 2020-21 program year and will place 46 developing leaders for 10 months of national service at Arizona nonprofit organizations
September 2, 2020 (Phoenix, Ariz.) – The Arizona State University Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation received $525,780 in support of its Public Allies Arizona program from the Corporation for National and Community Service through the Public Allies National Office. This funding for the 2020-21 program year will allow the program to engage 46 new Public Allies in September.
With an additional investment of $650,563 obtained as required in local matching dollars, nearly $1.2 million has been committed for the 2020-21 program year to support Arizona communities and this signature leadership development program.
“We are thrilled to launch our milestone 15th class,” said Jake Teskey, director of Public Allies Arizona. “As we move into the start of our upcoming program year, we not only have altered programming for the safety of our Allies, but also we have been able to expand our curriculum which will allow even more support to our Allies, our alumni, and to more of our community partners in both Phoenix and Tucson.”
Public Allies Arizona is an AmeriCorps program that places dedicated, service-minded individuals in paid 10-month apprenticeships at nonprofit partner organizations in Greater Phoenix and Greater Tucson communities. 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.
Nearly $7 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 nearly $14 million.
As one of the largest Public Allies sites in the country, the impact on Arizona communities through capacity-building programs such as Public Allies Arizona is profound. Last program year, Public Allies made over 200 new community partner connections, taught 15 nonprofits Census collection tactics, developed social media strategies for five organizations, engaged youth in financial literacy workshops, created mental health awareness videos, worked with the City of Phoenix and Keep Phoenix Beautiful on environmental stewardship projects, and much more.
“In this year of ongoing disruption, it is encouraging that Public Allies Arizona offers a shining example of positive action toward community betterment,“ said Dr. Robert F. Ashcraft, executive director of the ASU Lodestar Center and Saguaro Professor Civic Enterprise in ASU’s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. “Our Allies make a difference every day during their year of national service in our quest to solve problems and improve the quality of life in communities.”
The 2019-20 Allies, who graduated in June, collectively served nearly 40,000 hours and implemented six community service projects, impacting hundreds of individuals. For their service with Public Allies, the class earned over $160,000 in Segal Education Awards that can be used towards college or professional development courses.
Additionally, thanks to a $10,000 grant from CIT Bank, up to 15 Second Year Allies and program alumni can further their professional development with a certificate in marketing and strategic communications from the ASU Lodestar Center’s Nonprofit Management Institute.
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 educates, empowers and connects nonprofit leaders to accelerate social impact. 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.
Public Allies Arizona
Public Allies Arizona, now beginning its 15th year at Arizona State University, is an AmeriCorps national youth leadership organization that places service-minded young people in apprenticeships in nonprofit organizations throughout Maricopa, Pima and Pinal counties. 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.